Topic: Should I ask doc to give me a CD-57 test? Is it helpful?
BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
I don't think I've ever had mine checked.
I have to go get a blood test anyway, should I ask her to add that one?
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Is it helpful?
No, not really. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
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.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
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
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
| IP: Logged |
lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
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.
Bartonella henselae 1:100 Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16359
posted
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).
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Right...if you still feel like crap but have a high CD-57 it means lyme is no longer the issue. Probably co-infections.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
| IP: Logged |
BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
so only borrelia causes low cd-57? the co-infections have nothing to do with it?
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 458 | From Miss | Registered: Mar 2009
| IP: Logged |
Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16359
posted
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.
More studies would be useful.
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic