CD4/CD8 ratio

Method

Ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from a single flow cytometry panel, computed either from the subset percentages or from the absolute counts. Which of the two was used is recorded on the edge.

The method is part of the endpoint identity. Studies measuring the same quantity by a different method are held as separate endpoints.

Notes

Confused with its own numerator and denominator, both of which are separate nodes reported in the same table. Pooling this ratio with either subset percentage double-counts the same cells and manufactures correlation between endpoints presented as independent. Direction of benefit is context-dependent and must be asserted per edge, not inherited: a rising ratio is favourable in HIV and other immunodeficiency, whereas an elevated ratio is a feature of autoimmune disease rather than a benefit. A ratio can also be driven entirely by a falling denominator, which is not the same biological event as a rising numerator.

Findings

1 finding from 1 compound, strongest first.

• L-glutamine — increases

  AWell establishedGrade A, Well established. Replicated human trial evidence, consistent direction.Finding

  “Analysis suggested Gln enriched nutrition support could effectively increase postoperative CD3+ T-cell (MD: 3.71; 95% CI: 2.57–4.85; P < 0.05) and CD4/CD8 ratio (MD: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12–0.42; P < 0.05) of GI cancer patients.”

  Study

  meta-analysis

  Participants

  322

  Population

  Surgical patients with gastrointestinal tumour given glutamine-enriched enteral or parenteral nutrition support, glutamine the only difference between arms per the review inclusion criteria; postoperative measurement; 5 pooled trials

  Effect 0.27 mean difference, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.42

  Effect of glutamine enriched nutrition support on surgical patients with gastrointestinal tumor: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2015PMID:25591570