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

Abstract

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.