Alterations of the immune system in acute pancreatitis and systematic inflammatory response syndrome

Introduction

A considerable body of evidence indicates the contribution of the immune system to the mechanisms leading to acute pancreatitis [1]. Data focusing on the early course of events at the clinical ground of the process are lacking. The aim of the present study was to provide a complex evaluation of peripheral blood monocyte and subpopulations of lymphocytes in patients with acute pancreatitis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Methods

Forty-three patients were enrolled in the study; 33 with acute pancreatitis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and 10 healthy subjects. Peripheral blood immune cells were studied on days 1 and 4 by flow cytometry.

Results

Percentages of natural killer (NK) cells and of apoptosis of CD4 lymphocytes upon diagnosis are presented in Table 1. Changes of NK cells and of monocyte apoptosis are presented in Table 2.

Table 1 NK cells and CD4-lymphocyte apoptosis

Table 2 Alterations over follow-up

Conclusion

Results indicate an early and significant response of NK cells and of CD4 apoptosis in the initial events of acute pancreatitis.