Abstract
We investigated the frequency of lymphocyte populations (CD3+/T lymphocytes/, CD4+/helpers/, CDS+/suppressoi and cytotoxic/. CD3-CD16+INK cells/, CD3+ HLA-DR+ /activated T lymphocytes/, and CD20+ /B lymphocytes/) and mimunoglobulin G, A, M, and E levels in a group of two hundred twenty nine Hodgkin's disease long term survivors.
The most frequent pathological findings were increased IgE levels, decreased CD3+ and CD4+ proportions, an increased CD20+ proportion and especially a low CD4/CD8 proportion. Decreased CD3+ and CD4+ and increased CD20+ proportions were more frequently found in the group with recurrent infections.
IgM and IgA levels were positively correlated with plasmatic cholesterol and triacylglycerols levels. We suppose that immunological defects (increase of IgE levels, decreased T and helper lymphocytes) in Hodgkin's disease survivors are inherent and are not related to atopy.
Examination of lymphocyte subpopulations may be helpful in the prediction of an increased risk of recurrent infections.fections.