Lymphocytopenia, also known as lymphopenia, happens when the number of lymphocytes in your circulation is lower than usual. Severe or persistent low levels may suggest an infection or other serious illness and should be explored by your doctor.
Lymphocytes are specialized white blood cells. They are a component of your immune system. These vital cells are found in blood and lymph fluid. They safeguard your body by attacking at the first hint of a dangerous organism invasion. Lymphocytes also play an important role in initiating additional immune responses and in strengthening your body's immunity from previous infections and immunizations.
There are three kinds of lymphocytes that collaborate to detect and remove infections and other diseases:
- B cells produce antibodies and signaling proteins that aid in the detection and elimination of invading bacteria, viruses, and poisons.
- T cells seek out and destroy contaminated or malignant cells, and they also interact with B cells.
- Natural killer (NK) cells carry chemicals that can destroy malignant tumor cells as well as virus-infected cells.
Low T cell counts or a lack of NK cells can result in uncontrolled viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. B-cell lymphocytopenia can result in a rise in dangerous and diverse infections.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LYMPHOCYTOPENIA?
You may not notice any lymphocytopenia signs. You may suffer symptoms of the underlying cause or disease in some circumstances. Examples include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Painful joints
- Skin rash
- Sweating at night
- Runny nose
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Tiny tonsils or lymph nodes
- Slimming down
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LYMPHOCYTOPENIA?
Lymphocytopenia may be a symptom of another sickness, condition, or cause. The vast majority of causes are learned. This implies you create them rather than inherit them.
T cells account for the majority of lymphocytes, and T-cell lymphocytopenia is the most prevalent. This disease, however, can impact all three cell types.
Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune illnesses develop when the immune system goes into overdrive and assaults the body's own cells and tissues. These are some examples:
- Lupus
- Myasthenia gravis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Certain immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases may also produce lymphocytopenia.
Cancer and cancer therapies
Cancer, particularly blood or lymphatic tumors such as lymphoma (including Hodgkin's lymphoma), Kaposi sarcoma, and leukemia, can cause low lymphocyte counts.
Lymphocytopenia may also be caused by the following cancer treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow
Low lymphocyte levels can result from the following conditions:
- Aplastic anemia
- Lymphoproliferative disorders
Infections
Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi are common causes of lymphocytopenia. Any form of major infection might lower your lymphocyte count. As an example:
- HIV
- Histoplasmosis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Sepsis
- Influenza
- Malaria
- Viral hepatitis
Lymphocytopenia can indicate sepsis or acute bacteremia. The former is a serious infection that produces systemic inflammation, whereas the latter is a bacterial presence in the blood that might result in sepsis. Both situations necessitate immediate medical intervention.
Inherited causes
Inherited or congenital lymphocytopenia is uncommon. Among these are:
- Ataxia-telangiectasia
- DiGeorge anomaly
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- Severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome
Nutritional causes
Malnutrition or undernutrition is a prevalent cause of lymphocytopenia worldwide. This happens when the body lacks protein and other nutrients required for the production of lymphocytes.
An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, can result in lymphocytopenia.
Gastrointestinal problems
Conditions that damage the gut wall can impair nutrition absorption and, in rare circumstances, lead to lymphocytopenia. Protein-losing enteropathy refers to the following conditions:
- Amyloidosis
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Regional enteritis
- A lack of zinc
According to studies, a zinc shortage in your diet might impair your immune system by triggering T-cell lymphocytopenia and other immune system abnormalities.
Medications
Several medicines, in addition to cancer therapies, can diminish lymphocytes. The severity of medication-induced lymphocytopenia varies.
The drugs listed below may reduce your lymphocyte count:
- Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Corticosteroids
- Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- Imidazoles
- Interferons
- Methotrexate (Trexall, Rasuvo)
- Opioids
- Osteoporosis treatment with specific bisphosphonates
Kidney disease
Kidney disease, particularly chronic renal disease in its late stages, can diminish the amount of T lymphocytes in the blood, although lymphocytopenia can also occur in acute kidney damage.
Surgery and trauma
Trauma from an accident or an acute emergency, such as heart failure, can cause a decrease in lymphocyte numbers. Lymphocytopenia can also be caused by operations such as heart bypass.
Other causes
Alcoholism and stress are two more causes of lymphocytopenia.
Furthermore, there is a rare disorder known as idiopathic CD4 positive T-lymphocytopenia, the etiology of which is unclear.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR LYMPHOCYTOPENIA?
You may have lymphocytopenia if you have any of the following symptoms:
- You've recently had an infection or surgery
- You have a disease that can lead to lymphocytopenia.
- You are taking any drugs that may have an impact on your lymphocyte count
Elderly people and those who are malnourished are particularly vulnerable.
HOW IS LYMPHOCYTOPENIA DIAGNOSED?
Your lymphocyte level can be determined by a complete blood count (CBC) with differential. Your doctor may also prescribe a lymphocyte profile, also known as a lymphocyte subset panel, to assess the number of T, B, and NK cells in your body.
A lymphocytopenia diagnosis indicates that your blood lymphocyte count is less than 1,500 cells/microliter. Infants and children have more lymphocytes; fewer than 3,000 cells/microliter is deemed insufficient.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR LYMPHOCYTOPENIA?
Treatment is determined by the underlying cause, and addressing the underlying issue typically resolves the lymphocytopenia. Therapy may also be required to prevent infections or other consequences caused by a weakened immune system.
If a pharmacological therapy causes low counts, your doctor may decide to discontinue or adjust the prescription. When a person quits using the medicine, the lymphocytopenia typically goes away.
Your doctor may prescribe the following drugs for various reasons:
- Antiretroviral combination therapy for HIV
- Additional antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal, or antiparasitic medications for certain illnesses
- Gamma globulin to aid in the prevention of infections caused by B-cell lymphocytopenia
- Bone marrow stem cell transplant
HOW CAN LYMPHOCYTOPENIA BE PREVENTED?
Although you cannot completely prevent lymphocytopenia, you may assist improve your immune system and protect yourself from infections. As your body restores its lymphocyte levels, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and avoid infections.
To feel healthier and more energy, eat a nutrient-rich diet. Your doctor or nutritionist can assist you in selecting entire meals that are high in protein as well as therapeutic minerals and vitamins.
For patients with compromised immune systems, your doctor may also recommend a particular diet. This includes advice on how to select and prepare foods to avoid infections and disease.
To help avoid disease, wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water many times each day. If you must go out, use hand sanitizer and avoid busy locations.
Keep pets away from you, or ask someone else to clean up after them. Furthermore, avoid actions that may result in cuts, scratches, or even nicks on your skin.
If you're sick, ask friends and relatives to postpone their visits.
CONCLUSION
Lymphocytopenia is a typical result of a full blood count. Some persons may have results that are somewhat lower than the typical range for no apparent reason. Low numbers are also frequent among the elderly, with no obvious symptoms.
This condition is typically reversible and can be caused by sickness, recent surgery, or pharmacological therapy. To determine whether the lymphocytopenia is a new issue, your doctor will review your present and past medical history. The majority of instances resolve on their own without the need for medical attention.
If you have acute lymphocytopenia, your doctor will closely monitor your levels with follow-up blood tests. Additional testing and therapy may be required to address the underlying reason. Specialist referrals, blood tests, imaging, or a bone marrow biopsy may be required.
Follow all guidelines and see your doctor or nurse if you have any questions. Lymphocytopenia can be an indicator of or progress to serious disease, which can be deadly. Treatment and close monitoring of your health are required to repair your impaired immune system and stay healthy.