Lymphopenia in rheumatoid arthritis.
Lymphopenia is a recognized but poorly studied feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We set out to establish the prevalence and significance of lymphopenia in RA. A group of 66 RA patients was studied for one year. During this time 10 (15%) had persistent lymphopenia (lymphocyte count less than 1.00 X 10(9)/l) without evidence of Felty's syndrome. A separate study of lymphocyte subsets in 13 lymphopenic RA patients showed marked reduction in T-cell numbers with normal circulating B-cell numbers. The numbers of CD4 and CD8 positive T-cells were equally depressed. Lymphopenia may indicate more severe disease. It was not influenced by changes in disease activity or therapy.
Rheumatism Research Wing, Medical School, University of Birmingham.
D P
DP
Symmons
M
M
Farr
M
M
Salmon
P A
PA
Bacon
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male