Lymphopenia is associated with severe COVID-19 infections

Objectives:
Does a low lymphocyte count (lymphopenia) increase severity of COVID-19?

Study design:
This review article included 13 case-series with a total of 2,282 cases.

Results and conclusions:   
The investigators found pooled analysis showed that lymphocyte count was significantly lower in severe COVID-19 patients [MD -0.31×109/L, 95% CI = -0.42 to -0.19×109/L].

The investigators found lymphopenia was associated with nearly threefold increased risk of severe COVID-19 [random effects model: OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.31 to 6.82].

The investigators concluded lymphopenia is a prominent part of severe COVID-19 and a lymphocyte count of less than 1.5×109/L may be useful in predicting the severity clinical outcomes.

Original title:
Lymphopenia is associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections: A systemic review and meta-analysis by Zhao Q, Meng M, [...], Yang L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7196544/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on coronavirus right here.

Lymphocytopenia, also referred to as lymphopenia, occurs when your lymphocyte count in your bloodstream is lower than normal. Lymphocytes are a white blood cell with important functions in the immune system.