How Is Lymphocytopenia Treated?

If you have mild lymphocytopenia with no underlying cause, you may not need any treatment. The condition may improve on its own.

If you have unusual infections, repeat infections, and/or infections that won't go away due to lymphocytopenia, you'll need treatment for the infections.

If you have a disease or condition that's causing lymphocytopenia, your doctor will prescribe treatment for that illness. Treating the underlying problem will help treat the lymphocytopenia.

Treatment for Infections

Low levels of lymphocytes make it harder for your body to fight infections. You may get infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria.

Treatment for the infections will depend on their causes. You also may need treatment after an infection is gone to help prevent future infections.

Children who have serious bacterial infections that keep coming back may get a medicine called immune globulin. This medicine helps boost their immune systems and fight the infections.

Treatment for Underlying Diseases or Conditions

A number of diseases and conditions can cause lymphocytopenia. Examples include infectious diseases, such as AIDS; blood diseases, such as aplastic anemia; and inherited diseases, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Your treatment will depend on your underlying disease or condition.

Emerging Treatments

Researchers are looking at ways to increase lymphocyte production in people who have lymphocytopenia with serious underlying conditions.

For example, some studies are looking into blood and marrow stem cell transplants. Conditions that cause the body to not make enough blood cells, including lymphocytes, may cause lymphocytopenia. A blood or marrow stem cell transplant may help treat or cure some of these conditions.

Other studies are looking at medicines and other substances that can help the body make more lymphocytes.

Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical study might benefit you.