Immunoglobulins during the course of acute leukemia in childrenEffects of various clinical factors

Immunoglobulin levels, IgA, IgG, and IgM, were studied serially from the time of diagnosis in 19 children with acute leukemia. No apparent relationship with the hematologic status of the patient, or with blood transfusion therapy, was demonstrated. The major changes appeared to relate to chemotherapy or to infection, but there are inadequate data to confirm the impression that prednisone plus vincristine may have greater immunosuppressive effect than prednisone plus 6-mercaptopurine. IgG levels varied the most, but the degree of depression in each of the three classes of immunoglobulins studied indicated that the effect of chemotherapy may be through a common mechanism. Low IgG levels were not associated with failure of the child to respond to infection. Regardless of the status of the disease, remission or relapse, children with acute leukemia retain the ability to produce immunoglobulins in response to infection.