I have to go get a blood test anyway, should I ask her to add that one?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I don't believe it has that much validity.
up for more responses...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Is it helpful?
No, not really. -
Posted by 'Kete-tracker (Member # 17189) on :
ONLY IF your LLMD feels he (or she) finds it useful.
REMEMBER.. the first "count" [of CD-57 subset of white blood cells] doesn't tell SQUAT. Too many variables to consider.
What Matters is the Change in the count over the months while undergoing treatment (for Lyme). Some LLMDs consider this a useful indication of the efficacy of the current treatment regimens at the time.
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Sorry folks. Completely disagree. Both Dr. B and Dr. S state it is oh so important. I believe that. They are the experts and have cured the most # of people.
CD-57 COUNT (Natural Killer Cells) * Low counts seen in Chronic Lyme when the infection has been active greater than 1 year * Reflects degree of infection * CAN BE A SCREENING TEST! * Predicts a relapse if low when antibiotics end * Must use method of LabCorp (normal is greater than 180) - Less than 20- severe illness - 20-60- most common result in chronic patients - Greater than 60- Lyme activity minimal - Greater than 120- Relapse NOT likely after treatment ends
CHRONIC LYME- Treatment Issues * In chronic Lyme Disease, active infection may persist despite prior antibiotic therapy * Relapses do occur and retreatment is often needed * Repeated or prolonged antibiotic therapy usually is necessary * High doses of antibiotics are needed, and blood levels should be confirmed wherever possible * Antibiotic combinations usually are necessary * Check for co-infections and immune status, and treat appropriately * May need to rotate through different regimens based on response * If the CD-57 count is not normal at the end of treatment, then continued illness or a relapse is likely
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
Bcb: Thanks for that information.. I was beginning to wonder if having that test was worth it. Haven't got my results back yet but now I know what to look for.
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
I also think the test is useful because it may provide supportive evidence...another piece of the puzzle so-to-speak.
Results may get muddled when the body is dealing with multiple infections but when lyme is the main source of illness I think it tends to be an accurate test (at least it has been for me).
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Right...if you still feel like crap but have a high CD-57 it means lyme is no longer the issue. Probably co-infections.
Posted by BackinStOlaf (Member # 23725) on :
so only borrelia causes low cd-57? the co-infections have nothing to do with it?
Posted by Buster (Member # 19472) on :
One LLMD did alot of testing on himself and patients with that test, multiple times a day for multiple days in a row.
The numbers were all over the place, in healthy and non-healthy people.
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
quote:Originally posted by Buster: One LLMD did alot of testing on himself and patients with that test, multiple times a day for multiple days in a row.
The numbers were all over the place, in healthy and non-healthy people.
This is not exactly a controlled study though. Stricker's original work did not show wild fluctuations. However, Stricker did not have enough healthy controls. His controls were HIV patients and those with acute LD. Patients with acute LD do not show the depressed #s of those with chronic LD.