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Evaluation of lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in septic children
Małgorzata Wiśniewska-Ligier1, Teresa Woźniakowska-Gesicka, Jiri Zeman
13rd Department of Paediatrics, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 281/89 Rzgowska Street, 93-338 Łódź, Poland.
Insights
Children with sepsis show weakened cellular immunity, with altered lymphocyte and NK cell counts persisting after recovery. This immune system dysfunction may increase risks for future infections, necessitating ongoing monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Infectious diseases
- Sepsis research
Background:
- Lymphocyte and NK cell count disorders can impair pathogen elimination and promote inflammation.
- Sepsis in children may lead to significant immune system alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze lymphocyte and NK cell subpopulations in children with sepsis.
- To compare immune cell profiles during sepsis and after recovery.
Main Methods:
- Study included 25 children with sepsis and 25 healthy controls.
- Blood samples analyzed for lymphocyte subsets and NK cells during sepsis and 2-3 months post-recovery.
- Evaluated percentage and absolute counts of immune cells.
Main Results:
- Septic children had higher absolute counts of activated T lymphocytes.
- Post-recovery, CD4 counts and CD3/CD4 ratio were lower in all children and infants, respectively.
- NK cell counts were higher in infants after recovery.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis survivors exhibit impaired cellular immunity.
- Post-recovery immune system disorders may predispose to recurrent infections.
- Immune monitoring is crucial for preventing infections in children with a history of sepsis.
Background:
Disorders of lymphocyte subpopulations counts and NK cells may not only contribute to impaired elimination of pathogens, but also be an important factor in the development of generalized inflammatory reaction. The aim of the paper was the analysis of subpopulations of lymphocytes and NK cells in children with sepsis and after recovery.
Material/Methods:
The study comprised 25 septic children (17 infants and 8 children aged from 1 to 3 years). The control group consisted of 25 healthy children. The study was conducted in the initial phase of sepsis and then repeated 2 to 3 months after recovery. In all the children, the percentage and absolute numbers of basic lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in blood serum were evaluated.
Results:
In the course of sepsis, the absolute number of activated lymphocytes T in the youngest children was higher in comparison with the control group. After recovery, the percentage and absolute counts of CD4 lymphocytes in all the children and CD3/CD4 lymphocytes ratio in the youngest children were considerably lower than in the control group. The percentage and absolute number of NK cells in the youngest children after recovery were higher in comparison with the control group.
Conclusions:
In children who underwent sepsis, depression traits of cellular immunity are observed. The occurrence of defensive system disorders after recovery may be an important factor in recurrent infections and creates the necessity of immune system monitoring in children with the history of sepsis for the purpose of prevention.