Idiopathic CD4+ T lymphopenia in older persons.

OBJECTIVE

Survey of the association of idiopathic CD4+ T cell lymphocytopenia in older persons with protein energy undernutrition and unusual infections/colonizations.

METHOD: Retrospective chart analysis.

RESULTS

Five subjects aged 61 to 87 years, with unusual organisms and/or either marasmus or kwashiorkor, were noted to have absolute CD4+ and CD8+ T cell lymphocytopenia. All were HIV negative.

CONCLUSION

T cell lymphocytopenia may not be a uncommon finding in malnourished older persons, but additional studies to determine its prevalence need to be undertaken. Its role in disease and impact on therapeutic response needs to be further explored.