Abnormal Blood Test Results: WBC, EOS, Glucose, and CREA Levels - Internal Medicine

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Understanding abnormal blood test results can be quite challenging, especially when multiple parameters are outside the normal range. In your case, the abnormal values are WBC (white blood cell count) at 17.3 x 10^3/uL, EOS (eosinophils) at 0.5%, glucose at 61 mg/dL, and creatinine at 1.5 mg/dL. Let's break down each of these results to understand their potential implications.


1. WBC (White Blood Cell Count) - 17.3 x 10^3/uL
A normal WBC count typically ranges from about 4.0 to 11.0 x 10^3/uL. An elevated WBC count, known as leukocytosis, can indicate several conditions, including:
- Infection: The body often increases WBC production in response to infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.

- Inflammation: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders can also elevate WBC counts.

- Stress Response: Physical or emotional stress can lead to temporary increases in WBC.

- Bone Marrow Disorders: In some cases, disorders affecting the bone marrow, such as leukemia, can cause elevated WBC counts.

Given your elevated WBC count, it would be prudent to consider any accompanying symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or localized pain, and consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.


2. EOS (Eosinophils) - 0.5%
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and fighting parasitic infections. Normal eosinophil levels typically range from 1% to 4% of the total WBC count. A low eosinophil count (eosinopenia) can occur due to:
- Acute Stress: Physical stress, such as surgery or severe illness, can suppress eosinophil levels.

- Corticosteroid Use: Medications like corticosteroids can lower eosinophil counts.

- Infections: Certain infections may also lead to a decrease in eosinophils.

While your eosinophil count is low, it may not be clinically significant unless you have symptoms or a history of allergic conditions.


3. Glucose - 61 mg/dL
A normal fasting blood glucose level typically ranges from 70 to 100 mg/dL. A glucose level of 61 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can result from:
- Prolonged Fasting: Not eating for an extended period can lower blood sugar levels.

- Excessive Insulin: Conditions such as insulinoma or taking too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia.

- Adrenal Insufficiency: Insufficient production of cortisol can lead to low blood sugar levels.

- Medications: Certain medications, especially those for diabetes, can cause low blood sugar.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to address them promptly.


4. Creatinine - 1.5 mg/dL
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism, and its levels are used to assess kidney function. Normal creatinine levels typically range from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, depending on muscle mass and other factors. An elevated creatinine level can indicate:
- Kidney Dysfunction: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury can lead to increased creatinine levels.

- Dehydration: Reduced fluid intake can concentrate creatinine in the blood.

- High Protein Diet: A diet high in protein can sometimes elevate creatinine levels.

Given that your creatinine level is elevated, it would be wise to evaluate your kidney function further, possibly through additional tests such as a urinalysis or imaging studies.


Conclusion
In summary, your abnormal blood test results suggest a potential infection or inflammatory process (elevated WBC), a possible stress response (low eosinophils), hypoglycemia (low glucose), and possible kidney function concerns (elevated creatinine). It is crucial to discuss these results with your healthcare provider, who can interpret them in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. Further diagnostic tests may be necessary to pinpoint the underlying causes and determine the appropriate management or treatment plan.