Thoracoscopic talc poudrage decreases T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood

Summary Background Thoracoscopic talc poudrage induces peripheral blood granulocytosis and lymphopenia. The aim of this study is to investigate the type of lymphopenia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage. Methods We have measured peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in 11 patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage, before (baseline), at 24 and 48 h after the procedure. Lymphocyte numbers were analysed by flow cytometry for the evaluation of the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells (total T-lymphocytes, helper T-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, respectively), the CD19+ cells (B-lymphocytes), and the CD16+, CD56+ and CD57+ cells (NK-cells). No anti-inflammatory medication was permitted before, during or after the procedure. Results Absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count significantly decreased following thoracoscopic talc poudrage compared to baseline values ( p = 0.007 ). Similarly, peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts significantly decreased compared to baseline ( p = 0.005 , 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) with a more prominent reduction of CD3/CD45RO memory cells. No significant difference was found in the absolute number of CD19+, CD16+, CD56+, and CD57+ cells before and after thoracoscopic talc poudrage. Conclusion Patients undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage display peripheral blood T-lymphopenia following the procedure.