Long-term depressed immune function in patients splenectomized for trauma.
Peripheral blood from asplenic trauma patients (ASP) was analyzed for immunoglobulin concentrations, complement levels, T- and B-lymphocyte populations, and mitogen response of T cells, and compared to a similar analysis performed on the blood of normal controls (C). The interval from splenectomy to testing averaged 1,471 +/- 193 days (mean +/- SEM) in the ASP. Total lymphocyte count averaged 2,941 +/- 234 in the ASP with a T-cell count of 2,030 +/- 182 and a B cell count of 351 +/- 58. The average control lymphocyte count of 1,769 +/- 147 was significantly less than ASP (p less than 0.001) as were the T-cell count of 1,328 +/- 107 (p less than 0.005) and the B-cell count of 124 +/- 18 (p less than 0.001). Responses to PHA were diminished in ASP lymphocytes by 38% at 3 days (p less than 0.01) and by 49% at 5 days (p less than 0.001) when compared to C. Levels of IgM were significantly decreased (p = 0.05) in ASP. Levels of C3, C4, and C5 were similar in ASP and C. These data demonstrate persistent abnormalities in immune function in adult ASP without underlying lymphoreticular disorders and suggest a possible explanation for the increased septic risk in this patient group.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries*; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D003165:Complement System Proteins