Abnormalities in the immune system of children with beta-thalassaemia major.

摘要: We have studied both the humoral and cell mediated immune systems of 23 children with beta-thalassaemia major. In who had not been splenectomized, a 3-fold expansion in number circulating B cells modest polyclonal gammopathy was present. Of these patients 70% decreased numbers T4 cells; 83% were unresponsive to skin testing Candida albicans, majority lymphocyte proliferative responses vitro. there 10-fold increase lymphocytes 2-fold T8 present peripheral blood. Additionally, as group more responsive stimulation vitro albicans. Seven an inverted T4/T8 ratio. One child has positive serology HIV by ELISA Western Blot techniques normal Thus, while thalassaemia are at risk for exposure HIV, immunological abnormalities associated disease and/or its treatment necessitates cautious interpretation any AIDS-related changes.