Cellular immunity status of children with beta-thalassemia

Thalassemic syndromes obtain in Croatian population, predominantly in the Mediterranean region. We have recently seen three examples of thalassemia minor and used the opportunity to acquire information about the immunostatus since the genetic defect of hemoglobin synthesis and/or the increased turnover of erythrocytes and iron overload might be accompanied by alterations of the immune competence (Bayoumi RAL, Med Hypoth 48:11, 1997 ; Lombardi G et al, Haematologica 79:406, 1994). Essential laboratory data are given in the tables. As seen, the response to PHA was reduced, indicating an impairment of T-cell immunity. The responses to the B-cell mitogens ConA and PWM were normal and the main lymphocyte subpopulations were within the normal range.Diminished T-cell respose may indicate an impairment of cellular immunity due to the defect itself (as postulated) but may also be attributed to viral infections that frequently occur in children with thalassemic syndromes. The immune status of thalassemic patients may be of interest in view of vaccination against HBV (Leonardi S et al, Arch Dis Child 65:527, 1990).