Impact of Splenectomy on Natural Killer and T Lymphocyte Levels in Pediatric Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia Major | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Article 64, Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2026 | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.404815.1782 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Fathia I. Elbassal1; Mohamed A. Soliman1; Nourhan H. Sharaf* 1; Mai E. Abd El-Hamid2; Hanan H. El-sheity1 | ||
| 1Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt | ||
| 2Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: In transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major (β-TM), repeated transfusions lead to iron overload and immune system compromise. Splenectomy further weaken immunity, increasing infection risk. Objectives: To investigate the impact of splenectomy on T lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) levels in pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent (β-TM). Methodology: Fifty-one β-TM patients were studied (35 non-splenectomized and16 splenectomized). Blood count, Serum ferritin, CD3+ T lymphocyte, and CD3−/CD16+CD56+ NK cell were measured. Results: Splenectomized patients had significantly higher hemoglobin, White blood cell, neutrophils, and lymphocytes counts (P = 0.0007, 0.047, 0.0001, and 0.031, respectively). However, they showed significantly lower NK and T cell levels (P = 0.031 and 0.011). No significant differences were seen in ferritin levels, transfusion frequency, or chelation therapy. The splenectomized group had a higher average age and more cardiovascular complications. A negative correlation between ferritin and NK cells in the non-splenectomized group (P = 0.014), while in the splenectomized group, ferritin negatively correlated with CD3+ T cells (P = 0.036). Conclusion: Splenectomy improve anemia in β-TM patients but does not lower iron over load or transfusion needs. It is associated with reduced NK and T lymphocyte levels, indicating impaired immune function. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| transfusion dependent β-TM; natural killer cell; Splenectomy | ||
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