DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF SERUM C-REACTIVEPROTEIN, MUCIN AND TRANSFERRIN LEVELS IN LEUKEMIA PATIENTS COMPLICATED BY INFECTION

Serum Greactive protein (CRP), mucin (Mu)and transferrin (Tf) levels were measured in 63 casesof leukemia. CRP and Mu levels were obviouslyhigher in 33 cases with concomitant infections thanin those without, while the Tf levels in leukemiawith infection were significantly lower than in thosewithout infection. The CRP level rapidly increasedin patients with concomitant infections and prorrtpt-ly decreased after control of inflammation. There-fore, it is a useful index for detecting infection andjudging the effect of treatment. Changes in Muand Tf levels correlate well with the severity ofinfection. Clinically, the dynamic CRP, Mu andTf changes aid the diagnosis of infection complicat.ing Ieukemia.