Evaluation of T lymphocyte subsets in children with beta thalassemia major

Peripheral blood T lymphocytes and their subsets were studied in 31 patients with beta thalassemia major [age 2-12 years] and compared with 14 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. Three monoclonal antibodies [anti-CD3, anti CD 4, anti -CDS] were simultaneously applied for detection of th [CD3+ CD 4+] Ts/c [CD3+ CD8+] and Th/Ts ratio by flowcytometry respectively. The results of this study showed a slight increase in the number of T lymphocytes, T CD 4+ T CD8+, and CD 4+/CD8+ ratio; but this increase was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. No primary defect in T cell subsets was detected and it was suggested that continuous regulation of iron balance is an important factor in decreasing immunological disturbance