[A new parameter for chronic lymphocytic leukemia : determination of the large lymphocytes by means of Hemalog D (author's transl)].

The munber of large peripheral lymphoid cells and the ratio of these large unstained cells (LUC) to the total number of peripheral lymphocytes were determined by means of the Hemalog D in 57 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in 100 controls. While the absolute number of LUC per mm3 is simply a reflection of peripheral lymphocytosis, the ratio LUC/total lymphocyte count was shown to correlate with clinical staging. In controls, this ratio ranged from 3.2% to 11.2%. In CLL is was less than 11.2% in 43 patients and less than 11.2% in 14 patients. This latter group corresponded statistically to patients with advanced disease in our clinical staging system (stages III and IV). An increase in the LUC/total lymphocyte ratio is therefore a statistical criterion of poor prognosis.