Immunoglobulin levels and CD4 / CD8 counts in β- thalassemia major.

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study determined the CD4, CD8 counts and serum immunoglobulins in transfusion dependent b - thalassemic patients, and correlated them with anti-HIV, anti-HCV and HBsAg status, number of transfusions, iron overload and splenectomy. METHODS Patients with acute or chronic diseases (except HIV, Hepatitis B and C), on immunosuppressive drugs or vaccinated within one month prior to study were excluded. CD4, CD8 counts and serum Immunoglobulins were documented. RESULTS Increasing transfusions led to higher IgA and IgM as well as a decline in CD4 and CD8 levels. Higher ferritin correlated with high IgM. CD4, CD8 and IgA were significantly higher in splenectomized subjects. HCV correlated significantly with lower IgA values. CONCLUSION Higher transfusion requirement, iron overload, splenectomy and HCV infection correlated with alterations in different immunological parameters.