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What Causes Low WBC Count?

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Posted on Sat, 20 Sep 2014
Question: Hi I just received some Bloodwork. My WBC was low at 3.4 and monocytes absolute were also low at 170. What could this mean? I will be making an appt with a PCP.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jyothi B L (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Only Mild reduction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.

Looking at the reports and query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Reduced count of 3.4 is only mild reduction and nothing to worry. Unless you are suffering from high grade fever or bed ridden with septicemia, it wont affect you.

2. Monocyte absolute count is only mildly reduced. Normal range is from 200 onwards. It is reduced as the overall WBC count is reduced. Not to worry.

If you can give more clinical details and if there are other abnormal reports, I can help you further.
If it is a routine followup, not to worry.
Improve your nutrition, specifically vitamins and proteins. your counts will improve back to normal within two weeks.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jyothi B L (8 hours later)
Thanks. I currently take topamax daily for migraines. Could this have anything to do with it as well? I read that this could be a rare side effect .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jyothi B L (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not related to topamax

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Topamax is not usually known, however, if rare and it is causing bone marrow depression, then other cell lines would have also been affected.

You would have features of thrombocytopenia first, like bleeding, hemorrhagic spots in skin etc. Later on reduced WBC count and still later RBC count reduction or anemia should manifest.

However, I doubt it is secondary to topamax.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Dr. Jyothi BL

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Jyothi B L

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 849 Questions

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What Causes Low WBC Count?

Brief Answer: Only Mild reduction. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query. Looking at the reports and query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Reduced count of 3.4 is only mild reduction and nothing to worry. Unless you are suffering from high grade fever or bed ridden with septicemia, it wont affect you. 2. Monocyte absolute count is only mildly reduced. Normal range is from 200 onwards. It is reduced as the overall WBC count is reduced. Not to worry. If you can give more clinical details and if there are other abnormal reports, I can help you further. If it is a routine followup, not to worry. Improve your nutrition, specifically vitamins and proteins. your counts will improve back to normal within two weeks. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Jyothi BL