Related Experiment Videos
Changes in lymphocyte subsets after cardiac surgery in children.
Pirmin Habermehl1, Markus Knuf, Christof Kampmann
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany. pirmin_h@kinder.klinik.uni-mainz.de
European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 18, 2002
Summary
Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) alters immune cells in children. Natural killer cells increase, while T-cells decrease, potentially impacting infection risk post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) face heightened infection risks.
- Immune system impairment may lead to complications like capillary leaks and autoimmune reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cardiac surgery with CPB on the immune system of infants and young children.
- To analyze changes in circulating lymphocyte subpopulations during and after CPB.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 21 infants and young children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.
- Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations, including T-cells, natural killer cells, and activation/adhesion markers.
- Statistical analysis of pre- and post-operative immune cell counts (P<0.05).
Main Results:
- Leukocyte counts increased 6 hours post-surgery, driven by neutrophils.
- Absolute T-cell and T-helper cell numbers decreased within 24 hours after CPB.
- Proportions of gammadelta T-cells and natural killer cells increased during CPB, while activation and adhesion markers decreased post-CPB.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac surgery with CPB leads to increased natural killer cells and decreased T-cells in children.
- This immune shift is likely due to T-cell extravasation or adhesion.
- Findings are discussed in relation to the increased risk of infection following CPB.