Alteration of T‐Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Children, Youth and Adults with Hemophilia A

Thymic processed lymphocytes subpopulations were assayed in 32 healthy patients with hemophilia A and no inhibitor. Commercial concentrates were infused at various frequencies. Monoclonal antibodies to OKT3, OKT4 and OKT8 were measured and compared to age controls. A progressive decrease in percent OKT4 cells, a progressive increase in percent OKT8 cells and gradual decline in the T4/T8 ratio were noted with increase in the patients' age. A correlation between the amount of concentrate received and alteration in T cell subsets was observed in 4 children only. These early and progressive alterations in the T‐lymphocyte subsets suggest early immunocompromise and warrant close patient surveillance and immunologic scrutiny.