Lymphocytes (white blood cells) - one of the subspecies of white blood cells, are an essential 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 preschool children (5-7 years), the number of lymphocytes prevails over other types of leukocytes, with aging, this ratio changes, and neutrophils increase, as in an adult. Therefore, the interpretation of tests in children is carried out according to other criteria. With various infectious, oncological, autoimmune, allergic diseases and with transplant conflicts, the number of lymphocytes in the blood changes.
Absolute lymphopenia (low lymphocytes)
It is observed when an acute infectious disease occurs - at the initial stage, toxic substances migrate from blood 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. It is also observed with a clear violation of metabolic processes, renal failure, toxic effects of alcohol and drugs, cirrhosis.
With these diseases, lymphocytes are lowered. The causes of this phenomenon are due to inflammatory and infectious processes in the body. To identify the true cause, you need to contact a therapist, undergo examinations, and after the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment, or refer to narrow specialists: an infectious disease specialist, hematologist, and oncologist.
Decreased lymphocytes in children
Lymphopenia appears with congenital immunodeficiency disorders. It can be transmitted to the fetus even in the womb. The most common cause is poor protein nutrition. In some cases, lymphocytes in the blood are lowered in the presence of AIDS, in which the affected T-bodies are destroyed. Lymphopenia can occur with enteropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis. Acquired and congenital immunodeficiency states are characterized by absolute lymphopenia, which occurs against the background of leukemia, neutrophilia, leukocytosis and exposure to ionizing radiation.
It was established that the occurrence of absolute lymphopenia is observed in infants of postnatal and gestational ages. They diagnose the disease in the first week of a baby's life. This is a very dangerous disease with a high risk of mortality in newborns. Most often, lymphopenia is asymptomatic, but in the case of cellular immunodeficiency, there is a decrease or absence of lymph nodes (tonsils). Pyoderma, eczema, alopecia, petechiae, jaundice, pallor of the skin may also appear.
In order to accurately diagnose lowered lymphocytes in the child's body, it is necessary to donate blood on an empty stomach. In newborns, blood is taken from the heel or capillaries of the legs or arms. If recurrent infections or lymphopenia are detected, intravenous immunoglobulin is indicated. For children with congenital immunodeficiency, stem cell transplantation may be recommended .