T-cell alterations in hemophiliacs treated with commercial clotting factor concentrates

Thromb Haemost. 1983 Aug 30;50(2):552-6.

Abstract

Various immunological parameters were determined in 46 patients with severe hemophilia A and in 9 patients with severe hemophilia B. All patients were treated over many years with commercial factor VIII or IX concentrates. Patients with severe classic hemophilia had a significantly reduced relative and absolute number of T-helper cells and a significantly increased relative and absolute number of T-suppressor cells. About half of these patients had an inverse T-helper/suppressor cell ratio. Patients with moderate hemophilia A and severe hemophilia B did not show these abnormalities. Hemophiliacs with an inverse ratio had a significantly higher concentration of serum total protein, IgG and IgM. No relationship between the amount of factor VIII concentrate administered, the HLA-type of the patient, the presence or absence of CMV-antibodies, hepatitis markers, thrombocytopenia and abnormal liver function tests to the T-cell abnormalities could be established. Lymphadenopathy was frequently associated with an inverse ratio. Indirect evidence suggests that the alterations of the immune system began in 1979/80.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / etiology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • Factor IX / administration & dosage*
  • Factor VIII / administration & dosage*
  • Hemophilia A / complications
  • Hemophilia A / immunology*
  • Hemophilia A / therapy
  • Hemophilia B / immunology*
  • Hemophilia B / therapy
  • Hepatitis B / etiology
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
  • Thrombocytopenia / complications

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Factor VIII
  • Factor IX