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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low WBC Counts In Blood?

Hi,My mom is 83 and for the past 10 years she has had a blood disorder which causes her platelets to skyrocket, she has been on hydrea for that long. Recently her white count is down to 1.8 and her red count is always down and she has to have blood transfusions regularly (at least once a month if not sooner). I am worried with this new condition of her white count being down, that is the first time she has had this happen. I am worried she has leukemia? Any advice?
Wed, 18 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for posting this question on HCM!
I really appreciate your concern for your mom's health.
The fall in WBC count in the patients who are taking Hydrea is due to the side effect of Hydrea involving bone marrow which produces the blood cells.
Besides WBC, the platelets also decrease in number.
If WBC count level falls, your mother should avoid contact with people who have colds or infections.
Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
Hydrea may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood.
Your mother should avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding.

Consult your doctor for the possible use of Filgrastim which stimulates the production of WBC from bone marrow or to use alternate medicine instead of Hydrea for the management of blood disorder.
Wishing your mother a speedy recovery .
Regards!
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What Causes Low WBC Counts In Blood?

Thanks for posting this question on HCM! I really appreciate your concern for your mom s health. The fall in WBC count in the patients who are taking Hydrea is due to the side effect of Hydrea involving bone marrow which produces the blood cells. Besides WBC, the platelets also decrease in number. If WBC count level falls, your mother should avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Hydrea may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Your mother should avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Consult your doctor for the possible use of Filgrastim which stimulates the production of WBC from bone marrow or to use alternate medicine instead of Hydrea for the management of blood disorder. Wishing your mother a speedy recovery . Regards!