Lymphocyte subpopulation abnormalities in sickle cell anemia: A distinctive pattern from that of AIDS

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Abstract
In this study, we evaluated lymphocyte subpopulations in 23 adults with SCA. When compared to controls, SCA patients had higher lymphocyte counts with normal numbers of T101+ cells (T-lymphocytes) and T4 + cells. T8+ cells were significantly increased in SCA patients in comparison to controls (1684 ± 243 vs 980 ± 367, p < .001). This increment was largely dependent on a T101 -, T8+ cell population. The SCA patients as a group had significantly decreased T4/T8 ratio (p < .0001). The SCA patients with history of blood transfusions had higher T4+ cells numbers and higher T4/T8 ratio, but no other significant differences from nontransfused patients were noted. Our results are different from those reported for nontransfused children with SCA who showed normal T4/T8 ratio. Thus, a distinct pattern of abnormalities is seen in the lymphocyte subpopulations of adult SCA patients, unrelated to their exposure to blood transfusions.