What effect does steroid treatment of a cadaveric organ donor have on the lymphocyte count?

What effect does steroid treatment of a cadaveric organ donor have on the lymphocyte count?

• A. Increase
• B. No effect
• C. Decrease
• D. Fluctuate

Answer: (C)

Steroid treatment of a cadaveric organ donor typically leads to a decrease in lymphocyte count. This is due to the immunosuppressive properties of steroids. In the context of organ donation, steroids are often administered to prevent or reduce the inflammatory response that can occur post-mortem. By inhibiting the activity of the immune system, including the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation and functionality, the overall lymphocyte count in the body decreases. This reduction is particularly important in the transplant setting to ensure that the organs remain viable for transplantation and to mitigate any potential rejection by a recipient's immune system shortly after the transplant. Thus, the use of steroids during organ donation not only aids in preserving the organ function but also ensures a controlled inflammatory response, leading to the observed decrease in lymphocyte levels.

Steroid treatment of a cadaveric organ donor typically leads to a decrease in lymphocyte count. This is due to the immunosuppressive properties of steroids. In the context of organ donation, steroids are often administered to prevent or reduce the inflammatory response that can occur post-mortem. By inhibiting the activity of the immune system, including the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation and functionality, the overall lymphocyte count in the body decreases.

This reduction is particularly important in the transplant setting to ensure that the organs remain viable for transplantation and to mitigate any potential rejection by a recipient's immune system shortly after the transplant. Thus, the use of steroids during organ donation not only aids in preserving the organ function but also ensures a controlled inflammatory response, leading to the observed decrease in lymphocyte levels.