Comparison of lymphocyte populations in cutaneous and electrical burn patients: a clinical study

Immunosuppression following thermal injury has been noted in recent years. Both cellular and humoral immune systems have been reported to be affected. The present study aimed to compare the quantitative differences between cu taneous and electrical burn patients in respect to the partition and levels of lymphocyte populations. From March 1997 through February 1998, 15 patie nts with major thermal injury or high voltage electrical injury were includ ed in this clinical prospective study. Blood samples were collected at thre e and seven days postburn. The evaluation of lymphocyte populations of pati ents was performed by SimulTest IMK plus(TM). T cell and B cell populations , activated T cells, natural killer and helper T cell levels were all suppr essed in both groups. Suppressor T cell levels were elevated in electrical burn group at both three and seven days. Therefore, CD 4/CD 8 ratios were m ore suppressed in electrical burn group. In conclusion, lymphocyte populati ons in electrical burn patients and also contributing factors which play im portant roles in the development of sepsis in both group need to be investi gated further. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.