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I am referred occasional otherwise healthy patients for evaluation of lymphopenia (aka lymphocytopenia).
What to do?
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1. Let's begin with definitions - lymphopenia is usually defined as an absolute lymphocyte count ALC <1000 cells/microL for adults
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2. Epidemiology - lymphopenia has been documented in 1.5-3% of CBCs from both community and hospitalized patients.
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3. Causes/associated conditions - lymphopenia may be found incidentally in someone without obvious underlying cause (most common) or may be associated with a number of diseases/conditions.
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4. Mechanisms - reduced production, increased destruction, increased apoptosis, redistribution of lymphocytes between blood and various lymphoid tissues.
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5. Clinical implications - no evidence (outside of large population studies that do not take into account underlying cause) that lymphopenia associated with increased risk of infection.
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6. History and physical - focus on symptoms/signs associated with underlying cause/associated conditions(s).
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7. Lab tests - generally not needed in an otherwise healthy individual.
8. Treatment - directed towards the underlying cause.
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