Immunological abnormalities in treated hemophiliacs (an Italian study)
De Rossi, G.; Mariani, G.; Pandolfi, F.; Bonomo, G.; Franchi, A.; Pasqualetti, D.; Martelli, M.; Napolitano, M.; Aiuti, F.; Mandelli, F.
Haematologica 69(6): 643-654
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 6441740 Document Number: 237905
Twenty-six severe hemophiliacs (21 with classical hemophilia and 5 with Christmas disease) were evaluated for several immunological parameters both in vivo and in vitro. Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity with 7 recall antigens was found to be completely abolished in 11 patients. The lymphocyte subpopulations studied using a panel of monoclonal antibodies were found to be altered due to an increase in % OKT8-positive cells and to a decrease of % OKT4-positive cells with a OKT4/OKT8 ratio below 1 in 13 patients. In addition 10 patients had an increase in Leu 7 positive cells. This monoclonal antibody recognizes an antigen related to natural killer cells. In 4-patients a marked depression of the PHA response was also found. Only 1 patient had clinical involvement (lymphoadenopathy-like syndrome). The deep depression in cellular immunity found in a number of hemophiliacs suggests caution in the use of high doses of commercial concentrates and imposes a careful follow-up.