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Changes in T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients splenectomized for trauma
M C Tsai1, S L Lin, C Y Chuang
1Department of General Surgery, Tao-Yuan Provincial General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Surface markers of peripheral mononuclear cells, using a monoclonal antibody, were characterized, and the serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) as well as complement proteins (C3, C4) were determined in 20 adult patients with splenectomy because of trauma. A similar analysis was performed on 20 healthy individuals and the results compared. The average interval from splenectomy to testing was two years. The percentages of total T-cells (CD3), T-helper cells (CD4), and T-suppressor cells (CD8) were reduced in all subjects the splenectomized, but the results were statistically significant only for the CD4 cells (p less than 0.01). The proportion of B-cells (OKB7) showed no difference in either group. However, the ratio of CD4/CD8 cells was significantly decreased in splenectomized subjects (p less than 0.05). Measurement of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement proteins (C3, C4) revealed no significant differences between the two groups. These data suggest that healthy adults undergoing splenectomy for trauma have a specific and persistent immunological deficit. Our results suggest that a more cautious and conservative attitude toward the splenic trauma should be adopted.
Surface markers of peripheral mononuclear cells, using a monoclonal antibody, were characterized, and the serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) as well as complement proteins (C3, C4) were determined in 20 adult patients with splenectomy because of trauma. A similar analysis was performed on 20 healthy individuals and the results compared. The average interval from splenectomy to testing was two years. The percentages of total T-cells (CD3), T-helper cells (CD4), and T-suppressor cells (CD8) were reduced in all subjects the splenectomized, but the results were statistically significant only for the CD4 cells (p less than 0.01). The proportion of B-cells (OKB7) showed no difference in either group. However, the ratio of CD4/CD8 cells was significantly decreased in splenectomized subjects (p less than 0.05). Measurement of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement proteins (C3, C4) revealed no significant differences between the two groups. These data suggest that healthy adults undergoing splenectomy for trauma have a specific and persistent immunological deficit. Our results suggest that a more cautious and conservative attitude toward the splenic trauma should be adopted.