Deficiency of T and B Lymphocytes in Uremic Subjects and Partial Improvement with Maintenance Hemodialysis

Lymphopenia of a group of uremic patients was associated with normal percentages of T cells but reduced percentages of B cells. Lymphocyte counts improved after a period of maintenance hemodialysis, although not to control levels, and B cell percentages returned towards normal. Uremia is therefore associated with depression of total T and B cell numbers, with a relatively more pronounced effect on B cells. A period of maintenance hemodialysis produces increase in numbers of both cell types and depression becomes nonselective.