What Does White Blood Count Of 2.7-3.1 Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2014

Question: my wife has had a white blood count of 2.7-3.1 for 10 years- they are recommending bone marrow exam-

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bone marrow failure-rare side effect of Diovan...

Detailed Answer:
Hi Weldon,

The white blood count of 2.7 - 3.1 of your wife is considered too low and is a sign of bone marrow failure. As it has persisted for over 10 years, I am surprised too, why your doctor (who was the same during these years) haven't gone through bone marrow exam until now????

Anyway, the bone marrow exam will determine the final diagnosis.

By the way, I have noticed that your wife is taking Diovan 320 mg. May I know for how long? Was she taking Diovan during these 10 years or less/more?

There is a rare side effect related to Diovan use which affects Bone marrow failure. So, you can discuss this option with her doctor.

God bless and all the best! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Hello Dr. Albana

diovan was started approx. 2006- she had low readings since 2004-although a later reading in 2004 was normal

we agree to do bone marrow exam-but- if condition is serious-ie myleodisplastic syndrome-is it normal to have blood readings low for so long without symptoms-

thanks, weldon

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should wait for bone marrow biopsy first..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

When it comes to serious conditions such as myelodysplastic syndrome, there is no early signs or symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the changes on the blood cells.

Next, if your wife is not having any symptoms such as:
- easily bleeding
- being more prone to infections
- if only white blood cells count is lowered (without changes in other blood cells count)

then, there are good chances for her to recover. However, we should wait for the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy first to see changes there.

With regards to Diovan, from what you are describing, it is not a probable cause to her white blood cells count changes as she was having low count prior to its use. Then, I should know:
- what other medications she was taking since 2004?
- what type of job she was doing? (related to fumes?pesticides?heavy metal poisons?)
- was she a smoker?

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar