Acquired neutrophil myeloperoxidase deficiency: an indicator of subclinical activation of blood coagulation?

Using an automated cytochemical analyzer used for routine differential counts, we have been able to demonstrate acquired myeloperoxidase deficiency in 102 patients at our institution. Clinical and laboratory data on these patients showed a high incidence of diabetes mellitus (25.5%) and thrombotic diseases (24.5%), as well as a strikingly constant hyperfibrinogenemia (mean = 635 mg/100 ml; range = 360-1015 mg/100 ml). In 4 additional acute leukemia patients in complete remission, a close time correlation was noted between acquired MPO deficiency, diffuse intravascular coagulation and relapse. These findings indicate the importance of the relationships between neutrophil granulocytes and blood coagulation, and suggest that similar changes in neutrophil MPO activity may represent an early morphological indicator of subclinical activation of blood coagulation.