[Significance of metabolic parameters in Hodgkin's disease (author's transl)].

In 56 patients with Hodgkin's disease, the following bloodtests were carried out: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, alpha2-globuline, serium iron concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity. In some patients we additionally measured alkaline leucocyte phosphatase and serum ribonuclease activity. In our series ESR, serum iron and alpha2-globuline concentrations were the most sensitive metabolic parameters. A rise in fibrinogen concentration, alkaline phosphatase and serum ribonclease activity seems to indicate extensive disease. It is not possible, however, to discern between a state of remission and stage I by means of these parameters. ESR, serum iron and alpha2-globuline concentrations might be either elevated or normal in both instances. These parameters seem important in order to distinguish between a remission or stage I on the one hand and extensive disease in stage III and IV on the other hand. Concomitant findings of ESR above 40 mmh, elevated concentrations of fibrinogen and alpha2-globuline, as well as elevated alkaline phosphatase and serum and serum ribonuclease activity mostly indicate stage III or IV.