Lymphocytopenia as a prognostic marker for diffuse large B cell lymphomas

Lymphocytopenia has been reported to confer adverse outcomes in a number of hematological malignancies. Recently, it has been reported to be associated with poor outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of lymphocytopenia at diagnosis in patients with DLBCL, and to confirm its significance as a prognostic factor, particularly in relation to the international prognostic index (IPI). Medical and laboratory records of 165 patients diagnosed with DLBCL were retrieved and analysed. Lymphocyte counts were correlated with overall survival and role as a prognostic marker independent of IPI was determined. Lymphocytopenia (lymphocyte count <= 1 x 10(9)/L) was noted in 35.8%; it correlated adversely with overall survival (3.4 years vs. 10.3 years, p=0.002). A Cox regression model established that the prognostic significance was independent of the IPI.