Immunoglobulin Levels in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

The immunoglobulin levels in a series of 43 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukæmia are reported, and compared with those in a normal control series of 42 subjects. Estimation of the total serum gamma-globulin levels by a standard paper electrophoretic method demonstrated a reduction in only 37% of the cases of chronic lymphocytic leukæmia; but individual serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were frequently reduced when estimated by a radial immunodiffusion technique. This change was most common (93%) and most marked in the IgM fraction. These changes could not be clearly related to any disease parameter or therapy.