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[Evaluation of the delayed skin reaction in chronically ill children]
Insights
Cell-mediated immunity was assessed in children using a standardized skin test. Children with cystic fibrosis and renal insufficiency showed impaired immunity, unlike those with bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Immunity
- Hypersensitivity
Context:
- Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (DCH) is a key indicator of cell-mediated immunity.
- Standardized antigen testing provides a quantitative measure of DCH responses.
- Assessing DCH is crucial for understanding immune status in pediatric populations.
Purpose:
- To evaluate cell-mediated immunity in healthy children and those with specific medical conditions.
- To compare DCH responses across groups including bacterial infections, chronic renal insufficiency, and cystic fibrosis.
- To identify potential immune deficiencies in pediatric diseases.
Summary:
- A standardized DCH test was administered to 21 healthy children, 20 with bacterial infections, 20 with chronic renal insufficiency, and 16 with cystic fibrosis.
- Children with bacterial infections demonstrated normal DCH responses (13 +/- 6 mm).
- Patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic renal insufficiency exhibited significantly impaired cell-mediated immunity.
Impact:
- This study highlights impaired cell-mediated immunity in pediatric cystic fibrosis and renal insufficiency.
- Findings suggest a potential link between immune dysfunction and disease severity.
- Further prospective studies are needed to determine the impact of altered immunity on disease progression.
Abstract:
The evaluation of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity by using a standardized test system offers an assessment of cell-mediated immunity. The number and diameter of positive responses induced by seven antigens result in a score. The study included 21 healthy children, 20 children with bacterial infections as well as 20 patients with chronic renal insufficiency. In addition, 16 children with cystic fibrosis were also studied. No differences in the skin reactions was found in children with bacterial infections, showing a score of 13 +/- 6 mm. But children with cystic fibrosis or with renal insufficiency exhibited a severe impaired cell-mediated immunity. To what extent the alteration of cell-mediated immunity affects the course of the various diseases, has to be investigated by further prospective studies.