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What Causes Low Protein And Low Hematocrit Levels?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2015
Question: Hi, I had my first visit on 7/30/2015 with a new physician. I just had a full blood work up done on 7/31/2015. I said my protein level was low at 5.8, my WBC was low at 2.8, and my HCT was low at 34.9. Could you please let me know what all of this means. At this time I still have a gastrointestinal virus which started on or before 7/26/2015. My current temperature is 97.5 degrees, the highest my temperature went was 99.1 degree approximately a week ago. Please also see medical history, and please advise as to what all of this might mean.
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Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Management of disease processes will improve protein, TLC and hematocrit.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Low protein level can be seen in people suffering from chronic diseases.
Your medical history shows that you have been suffering from chronic illnesses.
Nutritious diet rich in proteins can help to improve protein level.
Low hematocrit suggests low red blood cell mass.
This can be due to anemia.
Again anemia often accompanies chronic illnesses.
Low white blood cell count (TLC) can occur due to various causes like bone marrow suppression, bone marrow replacement, decreased bone marrow functioning etc.
There are couple of medicines which can suppress the bone marrow.
Since, you are on a number of medicines, they can be responsible for low white blood cell count.
Appropriate management of all diseases and good nutritious protein rich and fiber rich diet will be helpful.
The gastrointestinal infection will clear away with symptomatic treatment.
You need to take light food and avoid heavy and stale food.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri


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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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What Causes Low Protein And Low Hematocrit Levels?

Brief Answer: Management of disease processes will improve protein, TLC and hematocrit. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Low protein level can be seen in people suffering from chronic diseases. Your medical history shows that you have been suffering from chronic illnesses. Nutritious diet rich in proteins can help to improve protein level. Low hematocrit suggests low red blood cell mass. This can be due to anemia. Again anemia often accompanies chronic illnesses. Low white blood cell count (TLC) can occur due to various causes like bone marrow suppression, bone marrow replacement, decreased bone marrow functioning etc. There are couple of medicines which can suppress the bone marrow. Since, you are on a number of medicines, they can be responsible for low white blood cell count. Appropriate management of all diseases and good nutritious protein rich and fiber rich diet will be helpful. The gastrointestinal infection will clear away with symptomatic treatment. You need to take light food and avoid heavy and stale food. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri