T-lymphocyte subsets and thymic size in malnourished infants in Egypt: a hospital-based study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Immunology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a significant global health issue in infants.
• PEM is associated with impaired immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• The thymus plays a crucial role in T-lymphocyte development and immune competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of PEM on thymus size and peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets (CD4 and CD8) in infants.
• To assess the reversibility of these changes following nutritional rehabilitation.
• To understand the implications for immune status during and after malnutrition recovery.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasonographic assessment of thymus size in 32 infants with PEM and 14 healthy controls.
• Flow cytometry analysis to determine the percentage of CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood.
• Comparison of immunological parameters between malnourished infants, controls, and after nutritional intervention.

Main Results:

• Infants with PEM exhibited significant thymus atrophy, particularly those with the oedematous form.
• Alterations in peripheral CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte percentages were observed in PEM infants.
• These thymus and lymphocyte subset changes were reversible upon nutritional rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• PEM leads to thymus atrophy and T-lymphocyte subset disturbances in infants.
• While reversible, immune function recovery may lag behind anthropometric improvements.
• Continuous monitoring of immune function during nutritional rehabilitation is recommended for comprehensive recovery.