[Postnatal phagocytic maturation (author's transl)].
Seventy two children were studied including 12 prematures, 31 newborns, 25 infants and 4 preschool children. They were clinically healthy with exception of prematurity factor. The phagocytic index (PI) of their polymorphonuclear leukocytes was investigated against latex particles suspended in autologous serum. In prematures PI levels were from 5.55 to 11.05; in newborns and infants, 11.09 to 15.00; in preschool children, 15.08 to 21.97 and in normal adults 19.21 to 22.70. PI value showed marked increase after the first neonatal month or when children reached a body weight of over 4.250 Kg.