Regulatory T-lymphocyte subsets in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia after high-dose of dexamethasone.

BACKGROUND

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease. This study's objective was to estimate the variations in the population of CD4CD25 FoxP3 cells (CD4 regulatory T-lymphocytes; Tregs) in previously untreated children with chronic ITP managed in Assiut University Hospitals, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) in these patients.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the frequencies of T-lymphocyte subsets in 27 untreated children with chronic ITP.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, the percentages of CD4CD25 cells and Tregs were significantly lower in the chronic ITP group compared to the control group (p = 0.018 and p < 0.0001, respectively). After treatment with HD-DXM, Tregs and platelets were significantly increased in these patients (p < 0.0001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Tregs are deficient in children with chronic ITP and that HD-DXM immunosuppressive therapy can restore the levels of these cells.

IMPACT

CD4CD25 cells and Tregs were significantly lower in children chronic ITP compared to healthy control. HD-DXM treatment led to significantly increased Tregs and platelets in these patients. Our results suggest that Tregs are deficient in children with chronic ITP and that HD-DXM immunosuppressive therapy can restore the levels of these cells.