Changes in lymphocytes as an early sign of relapse in adult acute leukemia

This study was undertaken to find out some clue to detect early relapse of adult acute leukemia which had been in remission. Laboratory data such as LDH, erythrocyte sedimentation, or immunoglobulin level did not show any difference at the time of relapse from the remission period. Complete blood count with reticulocyte count was evaluated every two weeks retrospectively for 12 weeks before relapse. No significant change was observed at the time of relapse. However, both the percentage and absolute number of peripheral lymphocytes significantly increased, whereas percentages of both T and B cells markedly decreased at the time of relapse, suggesting some derangement of lymphocyte function. Results in bone marrow culture did not yield any remarkable difference. It was suggested from this study that it is the time of prerelapse of adult acute leukemia when lymphocytes show an increase in either percentage or absolute number in the patients who are followed under their maintenance therapy schedule.