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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Cortisone Shots Cause Elevated Leukocyte Esterase And WBC Levels?

My mother who is 95 years old had cortisone shots behind both knees for baker cysts. The shots were administered on January 6 and January 13. She had a urinalysis on February 3 and the results showed a 3+ for leukocyte esterase and a WBC of 52 HPF. Could the cortisone shots be the cause of those elevated counts? Thank you.
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Cortisone (steroids) can cause rise in white cell count but in blood but it does not cause any rise in WBC in urine. The changes in the given test is not because of the cortisone shot. Rather it indicates that probably there is some infection in her urine.

I would advise she should get a urine culture and should take some antibiotic for the urinary tract infection. The leukocyte esterase and high WBC in urine indicates infection in urine.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman,
General & Family Physician
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Do Cortisone Shots Cause Elevated Leukocyte Esterase And WBC Levels?

Hi, Cortisone (steroids) can cause rise in white cell count but in blood but it does not cause any rise in WBC in urine. The changes in the given test is not because of the cortisone shot. Rather it indicates that probably there is some infection in her urine. I would advise she should get a urine culture and should take some antibiotic for the urinary tract infection. The leukocyte esterase and high WBC in urine indicates infection in urine. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman, General & Family Physician