Long-term Depressed Immune Function in Patients Splenectomized for Trauma

Abstract

Peripheral blood from asplenic trauma patient (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 to 1,7669 .+-. 147 was significantly less than ASP (p < 0.001) as were the T-cell count of 1,328 .+-. 107 (p < 0.005) and the B-cell count of 124 .+-. 18 (p < 0.001). Response to PHA were diminished in ASP lymphocytes by 38% at 3 days (p < 0.01) and by 49% at 5 days (p < 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 disorder and suggest a possible explanation for the increased septic risk in the patient group.