Impaired granulocytic function in patients with acute leukaemia: only partial normalisation after successful remission-inducing treatment.

In vivo chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were evaluated in 20 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and in 10 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). For comparison, 20 healthy individuals were investigated. A skin-chamber technique and a phagocytosis test were used to quantify the neutrophil functions. The local leucocyte mobilisation in the skin-chamber was significantly lower in untreated patients with AML and ALL than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Patients with acute leukaemia in remission showed an increase in chemotactic parameters though they remained below normal levels. The phagocytosis index (PI) of peripheral blood PMN was lower than 30% (normal individuals: 60%) in untreated AML and ALL; this difference was significant (P < 0.05). The PI of peripheral blood PMN in patients with acute leukaemia in remission returned to the normal level. Investigation of granulocytic function in patients with acute leukaemia in remission may reveal evidence for reduced protection by these cells against infections and lead to adequate therapy.