Monitoring Immune Function During Immunosuppressive Therapy

Abstract

Patients (29) with a variety of connective tissue disorders were studied for the effects of immunosuppressive therapy on non-specific parameters of immune function. Baseline studies prior to the therapy showed a frequent incidence of anergy (13%), lymphopenia (31%) and abnormal PHA [phytohemagglutinin] response (43%). Despite these abnormalities in untreated patients there was an even higher incidence of anergy (31%), lymphopenia (66%) and abnormal PHA response (77%) following immunosuppressive treatment. The changes in lymphocyte count and PHA response were statistically significant. Delayed hypersensitivity responses improved following institution of therapy in 3 patients. Clinical efficacy of immunosuppression correlated with lymphopenia and depressed PHA responses; in the 5 patients with uncontrolled disease, these parameters were normal. Lymphocyte counts and PHA responses are the most simple and informative procedures to monitor immunosuppression in patients.