My lab work this past Dec 2010 indicated a low CD57 score of 48. I will be re tested soon after about a month of treatment. Just wondering how soon you have seen improvement in that score? Could I expect to maybe see improvement after just a month?
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
The CD57 doesn't change that quickly. Yours will likely be the same.
Sometimes it goes DOWN during treatment.
Don't panic. Progress is based on symptom improvement, not the CD57.
Most docs don't test that frequently, if at all.
Posted by marine2783 (Member # 24982) on :
I was wondering about that myself. My LLMD does do that test an says it is an indicator of improvement. Sounds convincing.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
It is an indicator of improving immune function.
The CD57 has been debated in the Lyme world for years. It was previously thought to be an immune cell that is specific to Lyme. Turned out not to be the case.
Then it was thought to be an indicator of when abx could be discontinued without a subsequent relapse. Turned out not to be the case.
It does have some bearing on Lyme, but should not be given much weight when it comes to clinical decision making.
The best indicator of improvement is symptom resolution.