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Lymphocyte subset responses to trauma and sepsis
W G Cheadle1, R M Pemberton, D Robinson
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
The Journal of Trauma
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Severe trauma significantly reduces lymphocyte counts, especially in patients who die or develop infections. Early immune support targeting lymphocyte subsets may prevent post-injury complications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trauma Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Traumatic injuries trigger complex immune responses.
- Lymphocyte subset alterations are observed post-trauma but their prognostic significance requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize lymphocyte phenotypic subsets in trauma patients.
- To correlate lymphocyte subset levels with patient outcomes (infection, death).
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify lymphocyte subsets (CD2, CD4, CD8, CD20, DR) in 105 trauma patients.
- Patients were stratified into uninfected, infected, and deceased groups.
Main Results:
- A significant lymphopenia was observed in the first week post-injury, peaking at 3 days.
- Patients who died had the lowest numbers of several lymphocyte phenotypes.
- T helper (CD4) and suppressor (CD8) cells were reduced in patients who developed infection or died.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte subset depletion early after severe trauma is associated with adverse outcomes.
- Restoring specific lymphocyte subsets post-injury may mitigate infection risk.