Clinical and immunological features in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia presenting in an area of high incidence

Summary. Newly presenting cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in a retirement area were examined. Throughout a 27-month period these patients have been under the regular scrutiny of a small team who used standardized clinical and laboratory techniques for assessment. A definitive diagnosis and staging of the disease was made at the patient's first visit. The high incidence of the disease in this area is described and the influence of complications and coexistent disease on prognosis predicted by well-known staging technique is emphasized. Immunological techniques proved very useful in initial diagnosis, but their value in prognosis remains uncertain.