Clinical immunology
Distribution of leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood. Age related normal values for preliminary evaluation of the immune status in Polish children

Determination of the relative and absolute numbers of various lymphocyte subsets is currently considered significant for diagnosis and monitoring of various pathological inborn, as well as acquired immune-related conditions. The purpose of this study was to establish reference values of basic leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets for pediatric population in Poland useful for accurate interpretation of results in children with inborn and acquired disorders of immunity. The study was performed on whole cord and peripheral blood samples from a group of 292 healthy newborns and children from very narrow age groups. Multicolor flow cytometry, lyse-no-wash approach, and single platform technology were applied for the determination of distribution of T lymphocytes, their helper and suppressor subsets, B lymphocytes and NK cells. Additional information on maturation of T lymphocytes was obtained from the distribution of helper and suppressor T lymphocyte subsets expressing RA and RO isoforms of the CD45 molecule. Tremendous changes in the immune system encountering new antigens and gradually acquiring the ability to respond to that challenge were found during the first year of life. Variation in relative sizes of individual cell populations was found not to be directly consistent with the variation in absolute counts. Results of the study provide a useful tool for the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data obtained from the patients with suspected primary immune deficiency.