Decreased lymphocyte subsets and K-cell activity in iron deficiency anemia.

Lymphocyte subsets and K-cell activity were evaluated in the peripheral blood of 21 patients with iron deficiency anemia. The results showed that the mean number of total lymphocytes, CD3 and CD4 subsets, and B lymphocytes were decreased in these patients. The K-cell activity as measured by specific cytotoxicity and cytotoxic capacity was decreased. However, studies performed in 16 of these patients after the treatment revealed the recovery of these parameters except the decreased K-cell activity. These findings demonstrate immunological abnormalities in iron deficiency anemia which could increase the susceptibility to infections.