Regulatory T-lymphocyte subsets in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia after high-dose of dexamethasone

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease. This study’s objective was to estimate the variations in the population of CD4(+)CD25(+High) FoxP3(+) cells (CD4(+) regulatory T-lymphocytes; Tregs) in previously untreated children with chronic ITP managed in Assiut University Hospitals, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) in these patients. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the frequencies of T-lymphocyte subsets in 27 untreated children with chronic ITP. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, the percentages of CD4(+)CD25(High) cells and Tregs were significantly lower in the chronic ITP group compared to the control group (p = 0.018 and p < 0.0001, respectively). After treatment with HD-DXM, Tregs and platelets were significantly increased in these patients (p < 0.0001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Tregs are deficient in children with chronic ITP and that HD-DXM immunosuppressive therapy can restore the levels of these cells. IMPACT: CD4(+)CD25(High) cells and Tregs were significantly lower in children chronic ITP compared to healthy control. HD-DXM treatment led to significantly increased Tregs and platelets in these patients. Our results suggest that Tregs are deficient in children with chronic ITP and that HD-DXM immunosuppressive therapy can restore the levels of these cells.