title: Increased number of activated T cells in lymphocyte subsets of maltreated children: data from a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Maltreatment in childhood has been related to enduring changes in the immune system of adults, such as increased cell-mediated immune response.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Due to the lack of data in children, this study examined lymphocyte subset numbers and distribution during youth.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 27 cases of 42 healthy but maltreated children, fully participating at follow-up 1-3years after the intervention of child protection team, and 19 cases of previously matched controls, analysis of blood samples by fluorescent activated cell sorter was consented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With regard to age references, total lymphocyte counts were aberrant in maltreated children but not in controls. When compared to controls, the percentages and absolute numbers of activated (HLA-DR+) CD4+helper and CD8+cytotoxic T cells were significantly higher in maltreated children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the typical distribution of HLA-DR+cells we assumed an increased stimulated cell-mediated immune function in maltreated children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. hannes.bielas@kispi.uzh.ch
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bielas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jud
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Lips
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reichenbach
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Landolt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*