Objective: This study aimed to investigate T & B lymphocyte subsets and Natural Killer (NK) cells patterns in children with FMF versus normal control subjects, to estimate the immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA levels, and to scrutinize the possible use of Neutrophil / Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a marker for subclinical inflammation in FMF patients.
Patients and methods: A group of 42 patients with FMF attending the Genetics Clinic at National Research Centre were included in this study. They were 13 males and 19 females; their age ranged from 2 to 17 years old. Normal healthy subjects within the same age and sex range were included as a control group. Complete blood picture was done for all cases, and neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio was calculated. Flow cytometer analysis was done for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD16 using monoclonal antibodies. Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated in serum using nephelometry.
Results: Positive consanguinity was present in 20 patients (47.6%). Abdominal pain was the most common manifestation followed by fever, arthritis, and red rash. CD3, CD4 and CD8 were statistically increased in patients group as compared to normal control group, while CD16 was statistically decreased.
Conclusion: The study suggests that quantitative measurement of CD expressions of CD3, CD4 and CD8 as well as NLR might be used as valuable markers for subclinical inflammation in FMF.
Keywords: FMF; Flow cytometer; Immunoglobulins; Lymphocytes; N/L ratio; NK; Nephelometry.