T lymphocyte subsets, natural killer cell cytotoxicity and autologous mixed lymphocyte response in children after splenectomy because of hereditary spherocytosis.

Lymphocyte subpopulations and autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) studied in 13 hereditary sphereocytosis and 21 postsplenectomy patients; the operation was performed because of hereditary spherocytosis. Significant increases of Th cells and the Th/Ts ratio have been noted in children with hereditary spherocytosis. Splenectomy because of spherocytosis has resulted in an increase in Ts cell number and diminution of Th/Ts ratio. Hereditary spherocytosis patients showed both diminished natural killer cell activity and AMLR proliferation. Splenectomy normalized the above parameters. The presented data demonstrated disturbances in T lymphocyte number and functions both before and after splenectomy in children with hereditary spherocytosis.