chronic low lymphocyte levels - any MS connection?

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Although I know that there are no specific blood tests for MS I was just wondering if there is any connection between low levels of blood lymphocytes and MS. I have regular blood tests because I suffer from anaemia (from heavy periods) and noticed over the last couple of years that my lymphocytes are always low and sinking (both as a percentage and as an absolute value). My last values 3 weeks ago were 11% lymphocytes (norm = 25-40%) and absolute 1035 (norm = 1500-4000) which is clearly rather low.

I can’t think of any reason why they should be chronically this low and therefore wondered if anyone nows if there is any connection with MS or if anyone else happened to have blood tests and notice sinking lymphocytes prior to or after diagnosis?

Thanks for your thoughts

Caro

2

My first reaction was no, but a quick google suggests there could be, e.g. Lymphocyte: Significance of Low Lyymphocyte (Lymphocytopenia) & High Lymphocyte Counts (Lymphocytosis) - MedFriendly.com, but clearly not everyone agrees: Low lymphocyte count and MS - Neurology - MedHelp

So sorry, but no idea!

Karen x

3

Thanks so much Karen to take the time to look this up. I followed your links and on the second one when you scroll down it reads:

" As you correctly stated, lymphocytes (specifically, T-lymphocytes) can cross the blood brain barrier in MS. This process is called lymphocyte infiltration. The lymphocytes are believed to cause much of the damage (through an inflammatory process) to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering around nerves) of the brain and spinal cord that occurs in MS. If lymphocytes migrate to the brain, there would be less of them in the blood. " which i thought was interesting.

Well, Im not sure, I just put the ever sinking lymphocytes and my symptoms together and thought there might be a connection but it seems a bit unclear.

Wishing you a nice weekend and thanks again!

caro

4

Hi Caro - this isn’t going to help you know at all but thought it worth saying that prior to any of my neurological symptoms (bar the feeling of warm water running down the back of my leg) I had a month or so of extremely low lymphocytes - it knocked me for six and I’ve never been right since. The mega neuro stuff only started 8 months later so it may not be connected at all but who knows!

I hope you find some answers, I certainly find it interesting.

Deb

5

Thankyou Deb,

Thats very interesting but also sorry to hear you were so unwell. Are you diagnosed and what were your first symptoms? Did you observe low lymphocytes coincidentally (I mean if the mega neuro stuff hadnt started then)? I figure the low lymphocytes must come from somewhere but none of the other causes Ive found online fit. Hmmm…If I find out any more I will certainly post.

Have a nice weekend!

Caro