Immunological investigation in hemophiliacs with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Pang, X.G.; Tang, D.J.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 30(11): 685-687; 729-730
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1426 PMID: 1840032 Document Number: 327346
A comparison was made of the immunological function of three HIV seropositive hemophiliacs, 26 HIV-seronegative hemophiliacs, and 18 controls. The 26 HIV-seronegative hemophiliac patients included 13 who had received transfusions of factor VIII and IX concentrates imported to China from the US. Among the three HIV-seropositive hemophiliacs, a lower level of peripheral helper T cells, higher level of peripheral suppressor T cells, and lower ratio between T helper cell and T suppressor cells were observed compared with the controls and the HIV-seropositive hemophiliac group. The differences between the three HIV-seropositive hemophiliacs and the other two groups were statistically significant. In addition, the three cases had no reaction to 1:2000 OT tests. The abnormal immunological functions in the three HIV-seropositive hemophiliacs might be affected by the HIV infection. The number of peripheral helper T cells, the suppressor T cells, and the ratio of helper to suppressor cells in the 26 HIV-seronegative hemophiliacs did not significantly differ from the those of the control group. Among the 15 HIV-seronegative hemophiliacs who were given 1:2000 OT tests, only two had negative reactions. The finding from this study differed from findings of the immunological deficiencies among hemophiliac patients in studies conducted in other countries. This difference may be due to the fact that hemophilic patients in Zhejiang Province, China, were treated with much smaller doses of blood products for alleviating coagulation defects.