Occurrence of lymphopenia in heart failure

Abstract

The incidence of lymphopenia and eosinopenia in 10 patients admitted to hospitals in heart failure was compared with that in 11 ''cold'' admissions and 10 with acute diseases admitted viv the Casualty Department. Plasma cortisol determinations were made simultaneously. A significant difference was found between the heart failure group and the ''cold'' controls in respect of lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and cortisol levels. The ''acute'' control patients showed an overlap with both groups. It is concluded that this lymphopenia is part of a response to stress. Seventy-two hours after admission there was no significant change in these values although the figures suggest the beginning of a return to normal.