CD56 type of NK cell anyone know about this ?

[kindandcaring]

Hi

Ive just come back from having a battery of tests..all pretty much the same usual results..

Low ESR
Low CRP
No ANA markers

Usual AB's for hashimotos and gastritis

However one did stand out which was 2x over norm...CD56

Yes the Doc's dont know..and said not to worry..however Im forever curious..the result was high by about 2x

Anyone know or had the same before...what could it be related to.


Cheers

[KYMOM]

K&C, Don't know what that is.  I am sure that you will be hearing from the med professionals on the site who can be quite helpful.  I haven't seen anything on the site about Rheumatoid Factor since I've joined.  My RF is triple the norm. Roxanne

[Linda196]

This is a kind of clinical explanation, but maybe I can make if a bit clearer.

CD56 is a neural cell-adhesion molecule, which is shows up on natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of T cells and monocytes. My interpretation (just my opinion of course) of an elevated count in autoimmune disease, would be that there is an elevation in the T-cell base level, allowing more cells for the CD56 to exist on, and as a result a higher count. Elevation of T-cells is one of the basic forms of autoimmune disease, but in many people that particular "killer cell" is reduced and they, of course, would have very low CD56, because there is less T-cell for the CD56 to adhere. There is another possibility, and that is that the T-cell count is dropping, allowing the CD56 to increase in circulation. released from disappearing T-cells. Either could happen in autoimmue disease.

It would require monitoring , of course, because there are other potential causes, but I would think that your doctor's thoughts are that the AI is sufficient cause. A referral to a hematologist might give you a better grasp of the results, and a better explanation, but at the very least, please ask your doctor to continue testing routinely.

I'm a bit puzzled as to why a doctor would order a test he doesn't seem to fully understand.

KYMOM, RF is a fairly common marker in SjS, and does not indicate the existance of Rheumatoid arthritis, although it's also a marker (but not as specific) for that.

[kindandcaring]

Thanks Linda

Im guessing that ..he DOES know what it might mean..however he does not want to worry me.

Hes got me to check it again in 6 months however..so he cant be that worried..then yet again..he is not worried about my array of neuro symptoms and I am.

I will bring it up with my Doc..and perhaps suggest to see a Hematologist..

Just might be a clue to something.

btw
my CD3 count was alittle low..does this explain your theory ?!
All other CD type counts were in normal range, Including CD4 (only just though for CD4)

Thanks for your time Linda