Logical and Statistical Approach for the Analysis of Immunological Parameters in Patients with Wilson's Disease

Abstract

The immunological tests were performed for blood samples from 30 patients with Wilson's disease and 37 healthy patients. The processed data included conventional statistical analysis and computer programs, consisting of new pattern recognition methods - method of statistically weighted syndromes and that of detecting the informative conjunctions. In Wilson's disease group the significant alterations of parameters were determined: the decrease of T lymphocytes amount and CD4/CD8 ratio; the increase of circulating immune complexes and IgM levels; and B lymphocytes and NK amount. The methods of pattern recognition allowed to generate the rule to discriminate the cases from Wilson's disease and control groups with 87% effectiveness. The most frequently observed combinations of the altered parameters' values were revealed, and then the subgroups of Wilson's disease cases were considered. They were characterised by activation of the humoral immunity and/or depression of the cellular one. The heterogeneity of the immunity modifications may be the reflection of both genetic polymorphism and stages of the immunity violation. Some essential features of the immune status of patients with Wilson's disease are discussed.