Abstract
Among 211 adults with leukemia who received multiple transfusions, 6 were found to be seropositive for human T-cell leukemia virus Type I (HTLV-I). Before the positive serum specimens were obtained, these patients received a mean of 14 units of red cells and 78 units of platelets. Seroconversion could be documented in three patients. None of the 6 patients seropositive for HTLV-I had a T-cell leukemia, other illnesses attributable to HTLV-I infection, or risk factors for HTLV-I infection other than transfusion: none were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. Patients with leukemia who receive multiple transfusions appear to be at risk for HTLV-I infection. (N Engl J Med 1988; 318: 219–22.)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 219-222 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | New England Journal of Medicine |
Volume | 318 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 28 Jan 1988 |
Externally published | Yes |