What do lower lymphocytes say?

Lymphocytes (white blood cells) - one of the subspecies of leukocytes, are an important element of our immune system. They are formed in the bone marrow, their main function is the recognition of foreign antigens and the formation of protective antibodies in our body. Normally, human peripheral blood contains 18-40% of lymphocytes.

In children of preschool age (5-7 years), the number of lymphocytes prevails over other types of leukocytes, with aging this ratio varies, and neutrophils as in an adult increase. Therefore, the analysis of the children is carried out according to other criteria. With a variety of infectious, oncological, autoimmune, allergic diseases and transplantation conflicts, the number of lymphocytes in the blood changes.

Absolute lymphopenia (low lymphocytes)

It occurs when an acute infectious disease occurs - at the initial stage, toxic substances migrate from the vessels to the tissues of the human body. Reduced lymphocytes indicate the presence of tuberculosis, purulent process, aplastic anemia, chlorosis, lupus erythematosus, Cushing's disease, genetic immune diseases, pneumonia, tumor-like lesions of internal organs. This is also observed with a clear violation of metabolic processes, kidney failure, toxic effects of alcohol and drugs, liver cirrhosis.

With these diseases, lymphocytes are lowered. The causes of this phenomenon are caused by inflammatory and infectious processes in the body. To identify the true cause, you need to consult a therapist, undergo a check-up and after the diagnosis the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment, or he will refer you to the narrowly specialized specialists: infectious diseases specialist, hematologist, oncologist.

Reduced lymphocytes in children

Lymphopenia occurs with congenital immunodeficiency disorders. It can be transmitted to the fetus even in the womb. The most common cause is poor protein nutrition. In a number of cases, lymphocytes in the blood are reduced in the presence of AIDS, in which the affected T-bodies are destroyed. Lymphopenia can occur with enteropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis. For acquired and congenital immunodeficiency conditions, absolute lymphopenia occurs, which occurs against the background of leukemia, neutrophilia, leukocytosis, and exposure to ionizing radiation.

It is established that the occurrence of absolute lymphopenia is noted in infants of postnatal and gestational age. Diagnose the disease in the first week of life of the baby. This is a very dangerous disease with a high risk of death in newborns. Most often, lymphopenia is asymptomatic, but in the case of cellular immunodeficiency, there is a decrease or absence of lymph nodes (tonsils). Also, pyoderma, eczema, alopecia, petechia, jaundice, pale skin can appear.

To accurately diagnose low lymphocytes in the child's body, it is necessary to give blood on an empty stomach. In newborns, blood takes from the heel or capillaries the legs or hands. When detecting recurrent infections or lymphopenia, intravenous immunoglobulin is indicated. Children with congenital immunodeficiency can be recommended stem cell transplantation.