[Immune shifts and their correction in the extremely severe course of diffuse suppurative peritonitis in children].

Clinical and immunological studies of 65 patients with extremely severe disseminated suppurative peritonitis have revealed profound disturbances in their immune status. A considerable (2.5-3-fold) decrease in phagocytosis and complement activity, a drastic drop in T-, B-lymphocyte and T-helper content and a depression in T-lymphocyte functional activity have been observed. All this was accompanied by the activation of allergic and autoimmune reactions. Single transfusion of extracorporally X-ray-irradiated autoblood (5-7% of circulating blood volume) promoted an earlier normalization of the patients' critical condition and a prompt correction of the immune shifts.