Impaired distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with haemophilia

The distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets was assessed using monoclonal antibodies in 20 symptom-free patients with haemophilia. In 15 patients, the T-cell subsets appear substantially balanced with only a moderate reduction in the proportion and absolute number of OKT4 positive cells. In the remaining 5, all with a reversed OKT4/OKT8 ratio, the proportion and absolute number of OKT4 positive cells was significantly reduced (p less than 0.0002) while the absolute number of OKT8 positive cells was normal or reduced although the proportion of these cells appeared increased. Functional studies, testing the proliferative response to PHA and PWM, were normal in all cases including those with immunological abnormalities. These results suggest that a proportion of patients with classic haemophilia show some immunological abnormalities similar to those observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and that regular evaluation of several immunological parameters is warranted in these patients.