Low Lymphocyte Count - does it matter?

[mjrminor]

My gp surgery just sent me a record of my last twelve months of DMARD monitoring test results. My White Blood Count and Neutrophil Count are always just inside the normal range (on the low end), but my Lymphocyte count has been dropping and is now down to 1.13 (normal range is 1.5 to 4.5).

This hasn't been flagged by the GP and I haven't seen a rheumatologist in over a year because of the pandemic.

Does anyone know if this is something I should talk to a GP about or is it just the effect of taking DMARDs? (Sulfasalazine & Hydroxychloroquine?)

Despite daily pain, my CRP level is very good right now, like less than 1. So I wonder if the low lymphocyte count is from being slightly immunosuppressed.

Thanks.

[allanah]

Definitely talk to your gp and or rheumy.

My rheumy prefers me on the lower side but will stop the occasional infusion for a month if hes concerned.

But yes absolutely chat with them x

[mjrminor in reply to allanah]

Thanks, I will.

[helixhelix]

Neither hydroxy nor sulpha are immunosuppressive, so not likely to be them. Do you eat a good diet? Have you been ill from something else?

Although this is only a tiny bit low I would flag this up to the GP or rheumatology team.

[mjrminor in reply to helixhelix]

I have a healthy diet (sugar & dairy free, lots of fruit and veg). No significant illnesses other than bouts of fatigue and the usual pain. The lymphocyte count has been under 1.5 since last November and dropping in increments. I haven't seen any of my test results til now.

I know Sulfa and hydroxy aren't immunosuppressants in the way biologics are, but they still leave you open to infection, right? At least all the literature says sulfa does.

[Dan13rheumatoid]

Hi my lymphocytes normal levels say 1.0 to 4.0 I am male 47. I wonder if normal levels differ from lab to lab or region I am in Worcestershire.

I can access my gp records via patient access.

With regards rheumatologist they wouldn’t necessarily look at your bloods unless they requested bloods your monthly tests are more likely share care from your gp.

[mjrminor]

Thanks for sharing that. I'm male, 46, so that would be the same for me. I've made a phone appointment with my GP just to double check. Better to be safe than sorry I guess.

[Jaxine]

I would ring your rhymy team as I'm sure your consultant would want to hear your Lymphocyte count is low. I spoke to my consultant a few days ago as my white blood cell count is low, she explained to me in detail what they look for in our bloods I'm sure it s nothing to worry about but I know my first point of call would be my rhemy team.

[Dan13rheumatoid]

Also forgot to say ask your g.p. Surgery about patient access you can then view your medical history and request prescriptions etc.... online