[Evaluation of the immune system following splenectomy in childhood: preliminary study]

The authors would like to point out a possibility of immune system disturbances (especially lymphocyte T), severe infection occurring in patients following splenectomy. Five children following splenectomy due to severe spherocytosis were studied. In all children serum level of IgA, IgG, IgM immunoglobulins, phagocytic index, Hamburger count and lymphocyte antigen surface expression CD3, CD4 CD10, CD19, CD20, CD29, CD45RA, CD56 were evaluated. In comparison to control group, median numbers of lymphocyte T CD3 (p < 0.05), lymphocyte CD4 (p < 0.05), lymphocyte T CD4CD29 (p < 0.001) and percentage of cells reacting with z CD4CD45RA (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in splenectomized children, whereas number of NK cells occurred to be noticeable higher (p < 0.001). Immunoglobulins' levels, Hamburger count, phagocytic index and percentage of lymphocyte CD8, CD19 and CD20 did not differ between groups. On the basis of the results, the authors recommend the necessity of routine vaccination in this group of patients against most common pathogens.