Coagulation factor concentrate usage and the risk of lymphadenopathy: a prospective study

A prospective evaluation of 115 patients with hemophilia was performed between July 1982 and July 1983. During that period, 24 patients were seen with unexplained, generalized lymph node enlargement. The date lymphadenopathy occurred was recorded. No lymphadenopathy was found in 22 patients who did not receive coagulation factor concentrate. Factor usage was most closely related to the risks of lymphadenopathy (p = 0.004) even after controlling for age. A patient's age affected the risk of lymphadenopathy when the data were analyzed categorically (p = 0.008). A tendency was seen for heavily treated patients to develop lymph node enlargement earlier in the study period. Twenty-one of twenty-four (88%) patients with lymphadenopathy eventually developed HTLV-III/LAV antibodies and had abnormal T4/T8 ratios. These studies emphasize a close relationship between patients with hemophilia using coagulation factor concentrates and those with other risks for immune deficiency and lymphadenopathy. Close follow-up, optimal use of blood products, and further efforts to understand the importance of such changes are indicated in patients with hemophilia.