Immunoglobulin and immune complex levels in Nigerians with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Twenty-five patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) aged 10 months to 43 years and twenty-five age and sex matched healthy control subjects were investigated in this study. Serum immunoglobulins A, G and M levels were measured by single radial immunodiffusion method and immune complex levels estimated by polyethylene glycol precipitation technique. Significant increase in immune complexes and decrease in immunoglobulin G were observed in the patients. Although not statistically significant, the patients had a lower mean level of immunoglobulin A, and a higher mean immunoglobulin M concentration than the controls. Hypoimmunoglubulinaemia observed in this study may contribute to the aetiology of ALL or be an effect of the disease. Raised immune complexes could result from specific antibodies combining with tumour associated or microbial antigens. Immunoglobulin G levels showed a significant positive correlation with survival in the patients. The adverse effect of reduced immunoglobulin G on the prognosis of ALL is probably due to compromised immunity in the patients.