Neutrophil granulocyte function in the early diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic and myeloblastic leukaemia

The phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophil granulocytes from 5 patients with early acute myelomonocytic or myeloblastic leukaemia and 5 controls have been examined. In each patient the bactericidal activity was lower than in any control and the neutrophil dysfunction was demonstrated before leukaemia could be diagnosed from clinical and haematological findings. During periods of remission, the bactericidal activity was normal. Results of neutrophil granulocyte function studies may be a significant aid in the early diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic and myeloblastic leukaemia.