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How Is Lymphocytopenia Treated?
If you have mild lymphocytopenia with no underlying cause, you may not need treatment. The disorder may improve on its own.
If you have unusual infections, repeat infections, and/or infections that won't go away due to lymphocytopenia, you'll need treatment for the infections.
If you have a disease or condition that's causing lymphocytopenia, your doctor will prescribe treatment for that illness. Treating the underlying problem will help treat the lymphocytopenia.
Treatment for Infections
A low lymphocyte count makes it hard for your body to fight infections. You may get infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria.
Treatment for an infection will depend on its cause. You also may need treatment after an infection is gone to help prevent repeat infections.
Children who have serious, ongoing bacterial infections may get a medicine called immune globulin. This medicine helps boost the immune system and fight infections.
Treatment for Underlying Diseases or Conditions
Many diseases and conditions can cause lymphocytopenia. Examples include infectious diseases, such as AIDS; blood diseases, such as aplastic anemia; and inherited diseases, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Your treatment will depend on your underlying disease or condition.
Emerging Treatments
Researchers are looking at ways to increase lymphocyte production in people who have lymphocytopenia with serious underlying conditions.
For example, some studies are looking into blood and marrow stem cell transplants. This procedure may help treat or cure some of the conditions that can cause a low lymphocyte count.
Other studies are looking at medicines and other substances that can help the body make more lymphocytes.
Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. To find clinical trials that are currently underway for Lymphocytopenia, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.
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