A case of Crohn's disease with increased CD8 T-cell activation and remission during therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins.
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD) represents a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with abnormal CD8 T-cell function in a subgroup of patients.


METHODS
A 55-year-old woman presented with CD on the basis of clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, histologic, and sonographic examination. Since the disease could not be controlled with conventional anti-inflammatory therapy, a detailed analysis of cellular and humoral immune functions was performed and showed a dysbalanced T-cell activation pattern with an inverse CD4/CD8 ratio due to an increased number of CD8 T cells. Additionally, high IgM and low IgG2 antibody levels were detected. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was started as immunomodulatory therapy. During this therapy the condition improved markedly. CD8 T-cell levels returned to normal, and IgM decreased as well.


CONCLUSIONS
This case shows that selected cases of CD may be associated with abnormal functions and that such patients may benefit from IVIG treatment.
Körber
J
J
Medical Clinic and Policlinic, and Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
Köttgen
E
E
Renz
H
H
D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008875:Middle Aged
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous