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Cell-mediated immunity in children with chronic cholestasis
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Cell-mediated immunity is impaired in children with prolonged cholestasis, particularly intrahepatic cholestasis. This immune depression may increase susceptibility to severe infections in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Cholestasis, characterized by impaired bile flow, affects liver function and can impact the immune system.
- Long-lasting cholestasis in children presents unique challenges for immune system development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cell-mediated immune response in pediatric patients with long-standing intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis.
- To investigate the relationship between cholestasis type, duration, bile acid levels, and immune function.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of cell-mediated immunity in 14 children diagnosed with intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis.
- Comparison of immune status between intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis groups.
Main Results:
- Children with intrahepatic cholestasis exhibited significantly depressed cell-mediated immunity.
- Children with extrahepatic biliary obstruction showed a milder, more variable degree of immune impairment.
- Intrahepatic cholestasis group had longer duration and higher total bile acid levels, correlating with immune depression.
Conclusions:
- Long-lasting intrahepatic cholestasis is associated with substantial impairment of cell-mediated immunity in children.
- Depressed cell-mediated immunity in severe intrahepatic cholestasis, such as Byler disease, may contribute to recurrent severe infections.