Correlation of preoperative lymphocytopenia and early postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease

Patients with Crohn's disease often have diminished peripheral lymphocyte counts when compared with those of healthy controls (1). The significance of this lymphocytopenia is uncertain, since it may be related to the disease process itself or may be secondary to immunosuppressive medication and malnutrition. Approximately 25% to 30% of patients with Crohn's disease develop a recurrence within three years of surgical resection of the diseased bowel (2). This study was performed to determine whether any correlation exists between the preoperative peripheral lymphocyte count and early postoperative recurrence.