Lymphocyte results whilst on Imuran/6MP.

[DustyKat]

If you have a child on Imuran/6MP or take either drug yourself what range do your lymphocytes sit at.

Dusty.

 

[kiny]

Well, I'm not sure I should respond, but there are so few lymphocyte topics.

I'm no longer on imuran (been years), but I do have very low lymphocytes, much lower than the cutoff, I have idiopathc T lymphopenia. they don't watch the absolute count anymore, since it's pointless once you know if it's B or T lymphopenia, but CD4 and CD8, which are the T Cells, my B cells are fine. I get the same things people who have AIDS get, preventive anitbiotics, but I don't get anti-viral treatment, since I'm negative for AIDS. Why I have it...no one knows...it might go away after a few years...but for now the priority is that I don't get infections. If someone has idiopathic T lymphopenia, I am always looking for someone to talk to who has it too since it's very rare.

 

[DustyKat]

That is very interesting Kiny. I am glad you did respond! Thanks.

What I am curious about and would be interested if someone can give me answer. My understanding is the role of Imuran/6MP in IBD is to, well this explains it..

The goal of treatment with azathioprine and 6-MP is to lower the body's production of certain types of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in order to decrease the inflammation in the intestines; however, lowering the number of lymphocytes may increase vulnerability to infections.

http://www.medicinenet.com/crohns_disease/page13.htm

So that being the case should the aim be to have sub normal levels of Lymphocytes, between 0.5 - 1.0, and if it isn't then what is the role of Imuran/6MP if Lymphocytes are in the normal range?

Dusty.

 

[my little penguin]

DS was 0.4 or 0.49 or so while on 6-mp
He never had any issues with colds or anything else.
I think its up higher now on humira.
I have to look what it was on remicade

 

[Jmrogers4]

Jack's labs below while in Imuran except last one on 2/5 was while on LDN

Standard Range 1.20-6.40 K/UL
2/2/2011 (1.6)
3/7/2011 (2.4)
6/14/2011 (1.8)
5/14/2012 (1.5)
2/5/2013 (2.36)

 

[Catherine]

Dusty I am posting back to you. The article you posted to me by Miles Sparrow.

• What CBC and LFT blood results do you aim for?

The aim of therapy is immunomodulation without immunosuppression, and I aim for a total white cell count of greater than 3.5 x 109/L with a lymphocyte count greater than 1.0 x 109/L, or occasionally slightly lower. Asymptomatic elevations of hepatic transaminases only require dose reduction once they reach more than twice the upper limit of normal.

http://www.healio.com/gastroenterol...6-a430-d735ef89a8d7}/how-do-you-monitor-patie

 

[DustyKat]

:lol: Thanks Catherine!

 

[worriedboy]

Hi,

I know this is an old thread but hopeful to get some answers.
As I have to begin a steroid-sparing treatment, the plan is now 6mp. However, my LYM count baseline is 0.6-0.7 k/ul ...
So I wonder ...

- If with Crohns there are too much white blood cells - how is it that my LYM count is low ??
- If I take 6mp, I guess it will lower my LYM count even more - what is the limit ? I am really worried about that
- Should I prefer a biologic, which targets the TNF-a, thus to my understanding wont effect my WBC count ?


Any help is much appreciated !