The immune status of patients with scoliosis

In 37patients with scoliosis, aged 7—29, immunologic status was studied in pre- and postoperative periods. Material for the study was blood, cerebrospinal fluid, intervertebral disk tissue (tissues of nucleus pulposus and fibrous ring removed intraoperatively). Content of blood lymphocytes; percentage of main lymphocyte subpopulations possessing CD3, CD4, CD8 (T-cells including chelpers and cytotoxic effectors), CD 16 (natural killers) and CD20 (В-cells) markers; lymphocyte activation and proliferation capacity stimulated by activator (mitogen). Analysis of data obtained allowed to define 2 groups of patients. In the 1st group including the majority of patients (n=29) preoperative indices were not significantly different as compared to mean normal ones and postoperative ly those indices restored rapidly. Second group of patients showed preoperative change of at least one index of immunologic status. It allowed to consider that group of patients as a risk group. That group was characterized by the following: patients' age was under 13 years, scoliosis of IV degree, tendency to decrease of CD3+, CD4+ cell content and reduce their functional activity, tendency to increase of CD 16+ cell content. Study of cerebrospinal fluid and intervertebral disk tissue on the top of deformity did not reveal intratissue lymphocytes. It testified that the processes causing the development of scoliotic spine deformity proceeded without direct participation of immune system.