Hemophagocytic reticulosis. A case report with investigations of immune and white cell function.

A 5-month-old child with hemophagocytic reticulosis is described. Investigations revealed a grossly defective PHA response of the patient's lymphocytes which improved with chemotherapy. Defective glucose oxidation by phagocytosing cells and low IgA levels were demonstrated at diagnosis and have persisted despite chemotherapy. HL-A typing and chromosome studies did not reveal maternal lymphocytes in the child's circulation. The patient was treated with vinblastine and prednisolone and remains well after 11 months of treatment.