Observation of Immunological Consequence on Memory B Cell Level Following Splenectomy in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, is performed for a variety of reasons in children. However, the spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the production and function of memory B cells. The impact of splenectomy on memory B cells and the subsequent immunological consequences are not fully understood. Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted at the Pediatric Surgery Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh, over a period of one year. The study included 26 children, 16 of whom had undergone splenectomy (case group), and 10 who had undergone other surgeries (control group). The level of B lymphocytes and IgM memory B cells in peripheral blood were measured at 3 months post-surgery. Result: The study found a significant decrease in memory B cells in the case group compared to the control group. Specifically, the mean level of IgM memory B cells in the case group was 693.2, significantly lower than the control group mean of 7716.2. Furthermore, the percentage of mean IgM memory B cells in the case group was 18.96%, compared to 17.92% in the control group.  Conclusion: The study highlights the potential immunological consequences of splenectomy in children, particularly the significant decrease in memory B cells. These findings underscore the importance of close post-operative monitoring and ongoing research to fully understand the immunological consequences of splenectomy and inform improved clinical practice.