[Analysis the incidence of HL-A-system antigen incidence in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Correlation between some histocompatible antigens and leukemia has been described both in men and in experimental animals. In 1970 Walford found an exceptionally high association between the illness and antigens of the HLA system in children with acute leukemia who had long life duration. It is therefore supposed that these antigens should not be associated with predispositional factors of the illness, instead, they are more likely to have influence over the course of the illness itself. Consequently, the authors have examined 15 children of various age who had acute leukemia. All children were examined for all antigens of the first and second HLA system, as well as for ABO and Rh genotype. The patients' blood was also checked for existence of cytotoxic antigens. Frequency of certain antigens and haplotypes was found in both children and their parents so that a comparison with antigen and haplotype frequency was also made.