TREATMENT OF IGA DEFICIENCY IN LIVER-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH HUMANBREAST-MILK

IgA deficiency is associated with high mortality (42 % at 120 days) fo llowing liver transplantation (OLTx). Most of the mortality has been a ssociated with enteric infections. Mother's milk, or human breast milk (HEM), is a rich source of IgA that is considered to have beneficial effects in terms of protection from microbial translocation and enteri c infections. Two IgA-deficient OLTx recipients were given HEM orally for 10 days perioperatively. HEM was given in order to replenish intes tinal IgA. Both patients had an excellent infection-free post-operativ e course. IgA levels in the serum rose from 5 to 10 mg/dl in one patie nt and from 7 to 30 mg/dl in the other. No complications from HEM admi nistration were observed. We conclude that HEM can be used in IgA-defi cient liver transplant recipients to reduce the risk of infectious com plications in the postoperative period.