Evaluation of Hypogammaglobulinemia in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients and Its Relation to Poor Prognostic Factors

Abstract

Aim: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogenous disease with variable clinical course. Rai staging system is used for at least 40 years to predict prognosis and need for treatment but more prognostic factors are needed. Infections have been known to have a significant impact on patients with CLL. It is postulated that hypogammaglobulinemia accounts for the high infection rate. The severity of hypogammaglobulinemia is correlated with disease stage and duration.