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CC BY 4.0 · Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2019; 41(04): 213-219
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1683903
Original Article
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Evaluation of Immunological Parameters in Pregnant Women: Low Levels of B and NK Cells

Avaliação dos parâmetros imunológicos em mulheres gestantes: baixos níveis de células B e NK
Juliana Araújo de Carvalho Schettini 
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
2   Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
,
Thomás Virgílio Gomes
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
,
Claudeir Dias da Silva Júnior
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
,
Sandra de Andrade Heráclio
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
,
Isabela Cristina Coutinho de Albuquerque Neiva Coelho
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
,
Leuridan Cavalcante Torres
1   Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, PE, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 November 2018

02 February 2019

Publication Date:
25 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To describe the immunological and hematological reference intervals of low-risk pregnant women.

Methods A cross-sectional retrospective database analysis of a basic and translational study analyzing the hematological evaluation blood counts and immunophenotyping of TCD3 + , TCD4 + , TCD8 + , B, and natural killer (NK) cells of the peripheral blood in 79 low-risk pregnant women and of 30 control women from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, was performed.

Results No significant differences were detected between the hematological profiles of the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Nevertheless, the median level of B cells decreased significantly in the 2nd (174 × 103 µL; p < 0.002) and 3rd trimesters (160 × 103 µL; p < 0.001), compared with the control group (296 × 103 µL). Similarly, the median level of NK cells was lower in the 2nd (134 × 103 µL; p < 0.0004) and 3rd trimesters (100 × 103 µL, p < 0.0004), compared with the control group (183 × 103 µL). In contrast, relative TCD4+ and TCD8+ levels increased in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters compared with the controls (TCD4 + : 2nd trimester = 59%; p < 0.001; 3rd trimester = 57%; p < 0.01; control = 50%; and TCD8 + : 2nd trimester = 31%; p < 0.001; 3rd trimester = 36%; p < 0.01; control = 24%).

Conclusion Low-risk pregnant women have ∼ 40% less B and NK cells in the peripheral blood, compared with non-pregnant women. These parameters may improve health assistance for mothers and contribute to define reference values for normal pregnancies.

Resumo

Objetivo Descrever o intervalo de referência imunológico e hematológico de gestantes de baixo risco.

Métodos Realizou-se uma análise retrospectiva, de um estudo básico e translacional, analisando o perfil hematológico e a imunofenotipagem das células TCD3 + , TCD4 + , TCD8 + , B e natural killer (NK) do sangue periférico de 79 gestantes de baixo risco e de 30 mulheres (controles) do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.

Resultados Não observamos diferenças significativas entre os perfis hematológicos do 2° e 3° trimestres. No entanto, houve redução das células B no 2° (média = 174 × 103 µL; p < 0,002) e no 3° trimestres (160 × 103 µL; p < 0,001), comparado com o grupo controle (296 × 103 µL). A mediana das células NK foi menor no 2° (134 × 103 µL; p < 0,0004) e no 3° trimestres (100 × 103 µL; p < 0,0004), comparado com o grupo controle (183 × 103 µL). Porém, o percentual de TCD4+ e de TCD8+ aumentou no 2° e 3° trimestres em relação aos controles (TCD4 + : 2° trimestre = 59%; p < 0,001; 3° trimestre = 57%; p < 0,01; controle = 50%; e TCD8 + : 2° trimestre = 31%; p < 0,001; 3° trimestre = 36%; p < 0,01; controle = 24%).

Conclusão Mulheres grávidas de baixo risco têm ∼ 40% menos células B e NK no sangue periférico em comparação com mulheres não grávidas. Estes parâmetros podem melhorar a assistência à saúde das mães e contribuir para a definição de valores de referência para gestações normais.

Keywords

B-lymphocytes - NK cell - T-Lymphocytes - pregnancy - immunophenotyping - reference range

Palavras-chave

linfócitos B - células NK - linfócitos T - gravidez - imunofenotipagem - intervalo de referência

Contributions

All of the authors contributed with the project and the interpretation of data, the writing of the article, the critical review of the intellectual content, and with the final approval of the version to be published.


 

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