Association Among Size of Thymus, Anthropometric Dimensions and Number of Lymphocytes in Peripheral Blood in Newborns From Slovakia

Abstract

Aims:Thymus is the central lymphatic organ in humans with important endocrine function that is involved in maturation of immunocompetent T-lymphocytes. In our study we investigated the relationship among thymus size and the anthropometric dimensions as well as between thymus size and the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood in full-term newborns.Methods: The examined group consisted of 212 full-term newborns from the region of Southern Slovakia. We examined birth weight, birth body length, head circumference and chest circumference. Thymus size was estimated by ultrasonography and it was expressed as Thymic Index. The number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood was determined from the number of total leukocytes and from the leukogram.Results: We have found a statistically significant positive correlation among thymus size and the body dimensions of newborns. The highest correlation with thymus size was found for birth weight (r = 0.409; P < 0.001) followed by birth body length (r = 0.368; P < 0.001), head circumference (r = 0.365; P < 0.001) and chest circumference (r = 0.340; P < 0.001). We have proven also a statistically significant positive correlation between the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood and thymus size (r = 0.208; P = 0.039).Conclusion: Our results confirmed the findings of other authors about a close relationship of Thymic Index and basic body parameters in newborns.

NADPH-d activity in rat thymus after the application of retinoid acid

“…These anatomic variations and dynamic changes appear to be the main source of confusion with pathologic conditions. 16–18 After the puberty the thymus becomes smaller and the portion of adipose connective tissue grows at the expense of lymphatic tissue. The factors that influence the size of the thymus are age, stress, infections, hormonal treatment and undernutrition.…”

Low thymic size in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, a possible marker of infection? A prospective study from birth to 1 year of age

“…According to a pathological study infection induced involution of the thymus, it is most likely that infections lead to the smaller thymus size (16). In contrast, a small thymic size in children may also lead to a smaller T‐cell pool, lower thymus output and potentially a narrower repertoire of T cells causing an enhanced vulnerability to infections (6,27,29).…”

Influence of surgical and chemical orchidectomy on weight and distribution of AChE-nerve fibres in thymuses of adult rats

“…21,22 During the prenatal and postnatal development thymus is sensitive to many environmental factors such as acute and chronic stress, malnutrition, infections or hormonal therapy. 23,24 The term accidental involution was also implemented by Hammar in 1953 to describe striking regression in the size of thymus of younger individuals associated with malnutrition and infection. 25 …”