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[Changes in T lymphocyte subsets in preterm infants with intrauterine growth retardation]

Hua-Bao Peng1, Zhang-Hua Hou, Wei Long

  • 1Department of Neonatology, First People's Hospital of Chenzhou Affiliated to The University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, China. by_phb@sina.com.

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
|January 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) show compromised cell-mediated immunity, with lower T lymphocyte subsets observed shortly after birth and persisting up to 38 weeks corrected age. This immune compromise may impact preterm infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Context:

  • Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects a significant number of preterm infants, potentially impacting their immune system development.
  • T lymphocyte subsets play a critical role in cell-mediated immunity and are crucial for infant health.
  • Understanding immune changes in IUGR preterm infants is essential for identifying potential long-term health consequences.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the changes in T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio) in preterm infants with IUGR.
  • To compare T lymphocyte subset profiles between IUGR preterm infants, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants, and healthy full-term infants.
  • To assess the persistence of any observed immune alterations at a corrected age of 38 weeks.

Summary:

  • Within 24 hours of birth, IUGR preterm infants exhibited lower percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets compared to AGA preterm and full-term infants.
  • Absolute counts of total lymphocytes and T lymphocytes were also lower in IUGR preterm infants compared to full-term and AGA preterm infants, respectively.
  • At 38 weeks corrected age, while T lymphocyte percentages increased, IUGR infants still showed lower percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ compared to AGA infants, indicating a potentially lasting immune compromise.

Impact:

  • The findings suggest a degree of compromised cell-mediated immunity in preterm infants with IUGR.
  • This immune compromise may persist until at least 38 weeks corrected age, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications and long-term effects of these immune alterations in IUGR preterm infants.
Abstract

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