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Investigation was done in 80 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) with respect to premonitory changes of peripheral blood cell counts before a hematologica relapse. 38 patients suffered from one or more relapses. Evaluation was done by t-test and Friedmann test. 9 weeks before a relapse there was a significant decrease in thrombocytes numbers demonstrable. Granulocytes numbers and monocytes numbers declined 6 and 3 weeks before the relapse, respectively. The lymphocytes counts had already increased 6 weeks before a relapse. The blood cell counts during intercurrent infections did not interfere with the typical pattern of blood cell counts before a relapse. Also the changes in blood cells found are different from those seen in untreated cases of ALL.

Infection is still an important problem following surgery. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) play a vital role in host defenses against invading bacteria; thus, adverse effects on PMN caused by anesthetic agents are of general interest. In this study, we examined the influence of pancuronium bromide on PMN adherence in vitro. Heparinized venous blood samples were obtained from 18 healthy male adult donors. Each specimen was divided. One part was used to determine the adherence of untreated PMN, while pancuronium bromide was added to the other. Two concentrations (1.3 or 0.5 micrograms relaxant/ml blood) were tested. PMN adherence was studied using nylon fiber columns as described by MacGregor et al. Both concentrations of pancuronium bromide caused an inhibition of adherence, which was significant in the case of the higher dosage (p less than 0.05). There is a direct correlation between the intensity of PMN adherence and the extent of granulocyte delivery to sites of inflammation. Therefore, it seems possible that clinical concentrations of pancuronium bromide may be able to increase the risk of developing bacterial infections. Further studies concerning this problem should be conducted.