Improved Cell-Mediated Immunity in CAPD Patients as Compared to those on Hemodialysis

T -cell subsets were classified by monoclonal antibodies (OKT3 -peripheral mature T cells; OKT4 helper/inducer; OKT8 -cytotoxic/ suppressor) in CAPD and hemodialysis patients. Data were compared with in vivo assays of T cell function, such as DNCB and PPD skin tests. Uremic patients had significant absolute lymphopenia; when the results were expressed as a percentage of OKT3+ cells, they did not differ from the controls. When they suffered from peritonitis, CAPD patients showed an increase in OKT8+ cells, but the ratio ocOKT4+ cells to OKT8+ cells showed no significant deviation from the normal population. On the other hand, CAPD patients showed a better response to DNCB and PPD antigens. In the hemodialysis patients there was a significant correlation between the negative response to the DNCB test and blood transfusion. There was no correlation between the immune response and the primary disease, or the nutritional status in either groups.