Overview
Lymphocytes are small leukocytes with a large nucleus, though they may be larger with a low nuclear : cytoplasmic ratio if they are reactive.
Normal Range
- 1.0 - 4.0 x 10⁹/L
- 20 - 40% of total leukocytes
Lymphocytosis
Lymphocytosis refers to an increase in the number of circulating lymphocytes.
Causes of Lymphocytosis
- Acute viral infection - EBV, CMV, viral hepatitis, influenza
- Chronic infection - TB, brucellosis, pertussis
- Lymphoproliferative disorders - chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, lymphoma
- Hyposplenism - splenectomy, liver cirrhosis, coeliac disease, sickle cell disease, SLE
- Endocrine pathology - thyrotoxicosis, adrenocortical insufficiency
- Autoimmune disease
Lymphopaenia
Lymphopaenia refers to a reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes.
Causes of Lymphopaenia
- Inherited
- Primary immunodeficiency disorders - e.g. severe combined immunodeficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- Acquired
- Acute stress - infection, trauma, burns, surgery
- Drugs - corticosteroids, cytotoxic chemotherapy, methotrexate, azathioprine, rituximab, clozapine
- HIV infection / AIDS
- Autoimmune disease (especially SLE)
- Cushing's syndrome
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Aplastic anaemia
- Alcohol abuse
- Sarcoidosis
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