Assessment of T lymphocyte subsets in children with beta thalassemia major with iron overload

Background: Beta thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobin disorder resulting in chronic hemolytic anemia that requires lifelong transfusion therapy. Repeated blood transfusions and RBCs hemolysis are the major causes of secondary iron overload which in addition to immune abnormalities that occur in patients with β- thalassemia are predisposing factors to infection. Objective: To study T lymphocyte subsets in children with beta- thalassemia major and their correlation with iron overload. Methods: The present study was conducted on 40 children with beta thalassemia major followed up at Hematology unit, Pediatric Department, Tanta University including 24 males and 16 females with mean age of 9.22 + 3.9 and 20 healthy children of matched age and sex as a control group. CD3, CD4, CD8 counts and CD4/CD8 ratio were assessed in all children. Results: CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 were significantly lower but CD8 was significantly higher in patients than controls. The CD3 and CD4 counts correlated negatively and CD8 counts correlated positively with iron overload. Conclusion: Some abnormalities of lymphocyte subsets, including CD3, CD4, CD8 counts and CD4/CD8 ratio, were found in Egyptian children with beta thalassemia major with significant correlation with iron load. Recommendations: Regular follow up of thalassemic patients for detection of iron overload and its proper management to avoid its impact on cell mediated immunity.