Evaluation of immunological role of Interferon gamma, Interleukin-10 and CD4+ T lymphocytes in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased levels of multiple cytokines as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) during vaso-occlusive (VOC) crisis and steady state. Therefore, we aimed to explore theimmunological role of serum IFN-γ, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and CD4+ T lymphocytes in children with SCD at steady state and VOC. This study was conducted on 30 children with SCD (15 at steady state and 15 in VOC) and 30 healthy children as controls. Detailed history, complete physical, clinical examination and laboratory investigations as: complete blood count, serum ferritin, IFN-γ, IL-10 and CD4+ T lymphocytes for all patients were recorded. Results: Significant increase in serum IFN-γ in patients with SCD during VOC compared with patients at steady state and controls (P