Modifications of B, I, i, and Lewisb antigens in a patient with DiGuglielmo's erythroleukemia.

Loss of red blood cell antigens has been documented in patients with acute myelocytic leukemia and includes loss of A, B, and H antigens in the ABO system as well as antigens of the Rh, MNSsU, Lewis and Ii systems. The following case represents partial loss of the B, I and Lewisb antigens in a patient with erythroleukemia. Also, the loss of the I antigen was associated with a concomitant increase in i antigen, a known but rare finding. These changes within the ABO, Ii, and Lewis systems do not appear to be coincidental, as these blood group systems share a common biochemical backbone.