Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Immune System in Children: Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

Medical Studies Department for Children-Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies- Ain Shams University-2020. Background: Ionizing radiation has a serious effect on different biological systems particularly the immune system. Aim of study: To provide a meta-analysis study regarding the effects of ionizing radiation on immune system in children. Methodology: Online research was done for published studies focused on ionizing radiation effects on immune system from 2001 to 2018.The pool of 36 studies focused on effects of ionizing radiation on immune system, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 11 studies in Arabic countries and 25 studies in non-Arabic countries with total study group's sample size (3963) those exposed to ionizing radiation and total control group's sample size (1293) those healthy and never exposed to ionizing radiation. Meta-analysis was done using MedCalc software ver. 12.7.7.0. Results: In Arabic countries, there was a decrease in the mean values of WBCs, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and CD4% in the studied groups than the controlled with significant difference (P<0.05). In non-Arabic, there was a decrease in the mean values of WBCs, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, CD3 %, CD4 %, CD8 %, CD16%, CD19 %, IL-2, IL-10, IgM, IgG and C3 in studied groups than the controlled with significant difference (P<0.05), while the mean values of IL4, IFN-γ and IgA were more affected by increase in studied groups than the controlled groups in non-Arabic countries with significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that ionizing radiation has a significant effect on the immune cells.