Intro & Ipriflavone & lymphocytopenia

September 17, 2002

Hi all, I had the RNY surgery 6/14/01. Still have not achieved goal

weight. Looking for answers to enlarged stoma. Thanks, Trillium

Someone asked what lymphocytopenia is: following taken from:

Lymphocytopenia is a condition marked by an abnormally low level of

lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are a specific type of white

blood cell with important functions in the immune system.

Lymphocytes normally account for 15-40% of all white cells in the

bloodstream. They help to protect the body from infections caused by

viruses or fungi. They also coordinate the activities of other cells

in the immune system. In addition, lymphocytes fight cancer and

develop into antibody-producing cells that neutralize the effect of

foreign substances in the blood.

Lymphocytopenia is the result of abnormalities in the way lymphocytes

are produced, make their way through the bloodstream, or are lost or

destroyed. These conditions can result from congenital or drug-

induced decreases in the body's ability to recognize and attack

invaders.

Causes & symptoms

Lymphocytopenia has a wide range of possible causes:

• AIDS and other viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

• Chronic failure of the right ventricle of the heart. This chamber

of the heart pumps blood to the lungs.

• Hodgkin's disease and cancers of the lymphatic system

• A leak or rupture in the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct removes

lymphatic fluid from the legs and abdomen.

• Leukemia

• Side effects of prescription medications

• Malnutrition . Diets that are low in protein and overall calorie

intake may cause lymphocytopenia.

• Radiation therapy

• High stress levels

• Trauma.

The symptoms of lymphocytopenia vary. Lymphocytes constitute only a

fraction of the body's white blood cells, and a decline in their

number may not produce any symptoms. A patient who has

lymphocytopenia may have symptoms of the condition responsible for

the depressed level of lymphocytes.

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