Impaired distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with haemophilia
Lauria, F.; Guerrini, L.; Magni, E.; Mancino, A.; Monti, G.; Raspadori, D.
Bollettino dell'Istituto Sieroterapico Milanese 63(2): 145-149
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2547 PMID: 6331833 Document Number: 232675
The distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets was assessed using monoclonal antibodies in 20 symptom-free patients with hemophilia. In 15 patients, the T-cell subsets appear substantially balanced with only a moderate reduction in the proportion and absolute number of OKT4 positive cells. In the remaining 5, all with a reversed OKT4/OKT8 ratio, the proportion and absolute number of OKT4 positive cells was significant reduced (P < 0.0002) while the absolute number of OKT8 posiitive cells was normal or reduced although the proportion of these cells appeared increased. Functional studies, testing the proliferative response phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, were normal in all cases including those with immunological abnormalities. Evidently, a proportion of patients with classic hemophilia show some immunological abnormalities similar to those observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and regular evaluation of several immunological parameters is warranted in these patients.