Detection of CD55- and/or CD59-deficient red cell populations in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias

Int J Hematol. 2002 Jan;75(1):40-4. doi: 10.1007/BF02981977.

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal disorder characterized by a decrease or absence of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored molecules such as CD55 and CD59 from the surface of affected cells, resulting in intravascular hemolysis, cytopenia, and venous thrombosis. A PNH-like phenotype has been detected in various hematological disorders, mainly in aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, but also in lymphoproliferative syndromes (LPSs). To the best of our knowledge, CD55- or CD59-deficient red cells have not been detected in plasma cell dyscrasias (PCDs). The aim of this study was the detection of CD55- and/or CD59-deficient red cell populations in patients with PCD. Seventy-seven patients were evaluated; 62 with multiple myeloma (MM), 7 with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), 6 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and 2 with heavy chain disease (HCD). The sephacryl gel microtyping system was applied; Ham and sucrose lysis tests were also performed on all samples with CD55- or CD59-negative populations. Red cells deficient in both molecules were detected in 10 (12.9%) of 77 patients with PCD: 2 (28.6%) of 7 with WM, 1 (16.6%) of 6 with MGUS, 6 (9.6%) of 62 with MM, and 1 of 2 patients with HCD. Isolated CD55 deficiency was found in 28.5% of all PCD patients, whereas isolated CD59 deficiency was not observed in any patients. These findings illustrate the existence of the PNH phenotype in the red cells of patients with PCD; further investigation is needed into the mechanisms and significance of this phenotype.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CD55 Antigens / analysis*
  • CD59 Antigens / analysis*
  • Erythrocyte Membrane / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Heavy Chain Disease / blood
  • Hemagglutination Tests
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / blood
  • Hemolysis
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping / methods
  • Male
  • Microchemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood
  • Paraproteinemias / blood*
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / blood

Substances

  • CD55 Antigens
  • CD59 Antigens