Altered T cell subsets and function in polytransfused beta-thalassemia patients: correlation with sex and age at first transfusion.
Monoclonal antibodies (OKT series) have been used to investigate possible modifications of T lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subsets in 65 multiply transfused beta-thalassemia patients. No significant difference was observed in percentage and absolute number of OKT3-, OKT4-, and OKT8-positive cells when compared to controls. A subgroup of patients (10 patients, 15.3%), however, could be selected who showed a reversal of OKT4/OKT8 ratio. These patients did not differ from the others as to age, number of transfusions, frequency of splenectomy, ferritin levels, hepatitis B markers, chronic liver disease incidence, and numbers of B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The features distinguishing this group from the remaining patients were: decreased mitogen responsiveness; early age when first transfused; high incidence of males (90%). Immunological investigation was done in 2 occasions, 1 year apart, but no significant modification was observed in these patients. These findings suggest that in beta-thalassemia patients transfusion therapy started very early in life may be responsible for persistent immunological modifications. The susceptibility to such modifications might be greater in males.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal