Development of lymphocytotoxic and platelet reactive antibodies: a prospective study in patients with acute leukaemia.

Lymphocytotoxic (LCT) and platelet reactive (PR) antibody (Ab) responses were serially determined in 49 patients with acute leukaemia. LCTAb were found in 20 patients and occurred in 13 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and 7 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Four differing patterns of LCTAb responses could be defined. Thirteen of 22 subjects showed marked reduction or loss of LCTAb. Indirect platelet immunofluorescence, measured by flow cytometry, provided the most convenient means of detecting PRAb which were found in 11 subjects and generally showed moderate or weak reactivity.