D. Zeltser et al., Increased leukocyte aggregation induced by gamma-globulin: A clue to the presence of pseudoleukopenia, AM J MED SC, 320(3), 2000, pp. 177-182
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine","Medical Research General Topics
Background: Previous articles have reported the appearance of leukopenia af
ter the administration of high-dose intravenous gamma-globulins. Methods: A
simple slide test was used to reveal the state of leukocyte aggregation (L
A) in the peripheral blood as well as the absolute number of leukocytes in
the slides. Results: A significant (P < 0.00001) increment was noted in the
state of LA, from 9 +/- 6% before to 25 +/- 11% after gamma-globulin admin
istration. This was accompanied by a significant (P < 0.0004) reduction in
the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood (from 8433 +/- 3905
to 6550 +/- 3252 cells/mm(3)) but no significant change in the absolute nu
mber of the cells as determined by the leukocyte count per high power field
in the peripheral slides. Conclusions: We raise the possibility that the l
eukopenia reported in some patients after the intravenous administration of
high dose gamma-globulin is explained in part by the agglutination effect
of the drug.