Leukocyte functions study during the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

In 40 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 15 healthy children the leukocyte capillary migration, the phagocytic activity of peripheral granulocytes and monocytes to Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were studied. The examinations were performed at diagnosis prior to any therapy, after remission induction, after cranial irradiation and 6 times during the maintenance therapy. The decreased phagocytic activity of monocytes to three studied microorganisms was found during two-year-observation, while the impairment of granulocytes phagocytosis only to Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was observed. It was suggested that degree of phagocytosis defect may depend on the stage of ALL and that it differs in respect of microorganisms used.