The Prognostic Role of Peripheral Lymphocyte Subsets in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

ABSTRACT Background The prognostic role of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in early stage of acute pancreatitis (AP) is unknown. Methods After enrollment, blood samples were collected in the first 24 hours of the onset of AP in 164 patients. The lymphocyte count and the percentage of CD3 + , CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD8 + , CD3 − CD19 + and CD3 − CD (16 + 56) + cells were assessed. Results Reduction of the lymphocyte count and the percentage of CD3 + CD8 + and CD3 − CD (16 + 56) + cells within 24 hours of the onset of AP as well as an increase in the percentage of CD3 + and CD3 + CD4 + cells were observed. The percentage of CD3 − CD (16 + 56) + cells had the highest accuracy in prediction of AP severity. Conclusions Marked changes of the percentages of lymphocyte subset were found in peripheral blood in the early stage of AP. The percentage of CD3 − CD (16 + 56) + cells in peripheral blood could be a potent prognostic predictor.