Prognostic value of the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio in moderately burned patients

We investigated CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subpopulations, as well as the CD4/CD8 ratio in 84 moderately burned patients with injuries affecting 11-36 per cent of their total body surface area (TBSA). These lymphocyte subpopulations were quantified by indirect immunofluorescence measurement 7 and 60 days postburn. The results obtained 7 days postburn were highly significant in those patients who developed septicaemia, all of whom had considerably decreased CD4+ and increased CD8+ T-cell numbers, as well as inverted CD4/CD8 ratios. Consequently, the CD4/CD8 ratio may provide valuable information for prognosis of patient evolution and the establishment of early treatment in order to avoid likely future complications.