To evaluate the correlation between the change of immune system function before and after the treatment of malignant obstructive type jaundice treated with biliary stent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the change of immune system function before and after the treatment of malignant obstructive type jaundice (MOJ) treated with a biliary stent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 148 patients who were admitted to the Department of Digestive System for malignant obstructive jaundice were selected according to the standardized criterion. Amongst the total sample size, 78 were male patients and 70 were female patients, with an average age of (43.6 ± 5.5) years. After admission, the patients completed the blood routine examination and received biliary stent treatment to relieve the sign and symptoms of jaundice. Follow-up observation included total white blood cells, CD4+T cell count, CD8+T cell count, the ratio of CD4+/CD8, neutrophil counts neutrophils percentage, total bilirubin, free bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and inflammatory factors.

RESULTS: After three weeks of follow-up visit, CD4+T lymphocyte absolute value of patients markedly increased compared with that of pre-operation, and the difference had statistical significance (p < 0.05). The total bilirubin, free bilirubin, ALT, and inflammatory factors, such as hs-CRP, TNF-α in plasma of patients was significantly lower than that before the operation and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). After six weeks of follow-up visit, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ increased and the difference had statistical significance (p < 0.05) compared with that before biliary stent implantation. However, the white blood cell and neutrophil granulocyte did not improve significantly. It was found that CD4+/CD8+T lymphocyte had relation with the level of hs-CRP.

CONCLUSIONS: The patients with the (MOJ) treated with implanted biliary stent revealed relive in the obstruction of the biliary tract, which will further significantly improve the cholestasis. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+T lymphocyte increased, which will improve the immune system function of the patients, decreases the possibility of infection, and improves the overall survival quality.