Pediatric White Cell Disorders

Lymphocytopenia

Intended to protect a child's body from viral infections, lymphocytes make up 15 to 30 percent of white blood cells. Lymphocytes also work with other cells to protect against bacteria and fungal infections and to orchestrate the activities of the immune system.

Lymphocytopenia occurs when the number of lymphocytes is reduced to an unnaturally low level. It can have many causes, including some types of medication, cancer, AIDS, chronic infections, hereditary disorders, and other conditions.

Treatment for lymphocytopenia depends upon the cause. If the condition is related to medication taken for another condition, it will typically go away within days of discontinuing the drug. Other treatments for lymphocytopenia include gamma globulin and other immunotherapy drugs.