Understanding Low Complement C3 Levels: Causes and Concerns
Low complement C3 levels? Hello, I would like to ask you about my previous emergency department lab report. Date: 10/21/112 - Hemoglobin: 13.6 - MCH: 29.8 - MCHC: 31.7 - MCV: 93.9 - Platelets: 239 - RBC: 4.57 - RDW: 11.8 - WBC: 6.8 - Basophil: 0.7 - Eosinophil: 1.0 - Lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible for an average person to have low C3 levels, or is low C3 always abnormal and related to autoimmune diseases? --> Yes, it is possible. Low C3 levels do not necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease. ...[Read More] Understanding Low Complement C3 Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Platelet Count: What Does 7.3 (10^4/µL) Mean?
Platelet test unit Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me what a platelet count of 7.3 (10^4/µL) means? Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. 10^4/µL refers to 10 raised to the fourth power, which means x10000. Therefore, 7.3(10^4/µL) means 7.3x10000=73000/µL, indicating a mild decrease in platelets. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry o...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count: What Does 7.3 (10^4/µL) Mean?
Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Immunology Report Issues Dear Dr. Gao, I recently received the following immunology report from my blood test: - Ro-52: (+) - OJ: (-) - EJ: (-) - PL-12: (-) - PL-7: (++) - SRP: (-) - Jo-1: (-) - PM-Scl75: (-) - PM-Scl100: (-) - Ku: (-) - SAE1: (-) - NXP2: (-) - MDA5: (-) - TIF1...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Some of the results do not have reference values, as different hospitals may use different testing machines and reference values, making interpretation difficult. The other results that can be somewhat assessed are as follows: Anti-dsDNA 30.8 WH...[Read More] Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Blood report Due to work requirements, I underwent a health check, and the report indicates abnormalities in the blood test results! White blood cells: 10.53, Red blood cells: 5.22, Hemoglobin: 11.6, Platelets: 414. Which specialty should I consult for these abnormal indicators? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you are likely referring to a slightly elevated white blood cell count and a slightly low hemoglobin level, correct? For the white blood cell count, the normal range for healthy individuals is approximately 3.0-10.0. Your level is only slightly elevated, which could be due...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
A white blood cell count of 12.7 is considered elevated. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the increased white blood cell count. Possible causes may include infections, inflammation, stress Hello Doctor, I have iron def...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the gingival inflammation you mentioned can lead to an increase in white blood cell count. If the teeth have already been extracted, the white blood cell count should decrease. Regarding the DC you mentioned, it refers to the differential count of white blood cells, which ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
Low levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and the report showed the following blood results: W.B.C: 7.13, R.B.C: 4 (below normal), Hemoglobin: 12, Hematocrit: 36.6 (both below normal), MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelets ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The above blood routine test results are generally within the normal range, and treatment is not necessary. As for the TG36 being slightly low, it may be due to insufficient nutrition, so follow-up testing is recommended. It could also be due to a congenital deficiency of ...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell count I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1.1-3.2 Monocytes: 0....
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Leukemia can cause the presence of immature or abnormal white blood cells in the blood. Your neutrophil count is slightly elevated, but this does not indicate an increase in immature white blood cells, so it is not leukemia. Perhaps a follow-up test will show normal result...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell blood test inquiry? I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent some tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, everything appears to be normal and there are no issues. The slight variation in the neutrophils and lymphocyte ratio should not have any impact. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Severe stenosis or occlusion of the femoral artery and popliteal artery? Hello Doctor, my mother is 90 years old and accidentally fell while walking. She has been lying in bed for some time now and is currently experiencing coolness and pain in her lower limbs for the past 50 hou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this condition is indeed a dilemma because the surgical risks are very high. Even if the surgery is successful, the wound may not heal well. However, if surgery is not performed, it is anticipated that the left leg will gradually deteriorate. Cell death can produce many to...[Read More] Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
High Platelet Count: Vaccine Considerations and Health Risks
Considerations of Elevated Platelet Count and Vaccination Hello, I have my health check-up every year, and my platelet count has been consistently 50-100 above the recommended range for over 5 years. Currently, there is a reminder regarding thrombocytopenia before vaccination to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, having elevated platelet levels does not affect the administration of vaccines as long as you do not have any acute illnesses. You can proceed with vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] High Platelet Count: Vaccine Considerations and Health Risks
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello Doctor, my mother has had a long-standing issue with low platelet counts. A few years ago, she visited a hematology-oncology specialist, and her platelet count (PL) was around 70,000 to 80,000. The specialist only recommended that she continue to monitor he...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Generally, before a hematologist recommends continued monitoring for an elderly woman, they will also evaluate the screening indicators for immune function. You may want to ask your physician whether there is a possibility of an immune issue for...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Understanding Bruising and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed sudden bruising, sometimes on my thighs and sometimes on my ribs. After blood draws, the swelling takes about a week to gradually subside. I would like to ask about the coagulation function values and whether they are abnorma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in this report, the parameter related to coagulation function is PLT: Platelets, which is normal. However, more relevant to coagulation are PT/aPTT, which are not included in this report. You have mild anemia, but it is not severe and is likely not significantly related to...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Persistent High Platelet Count Despite Hydroxycarbamide Treatment
Elevated platelet count that does not decrease despite taking hydroxycarbamide? Hello Doctor: My girlfriend went to the emergency room in the UK due to a nosebleed that lasted five to six hours, accompanied by blood clots. The blood test report suggested a possible diagnosis of t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the effectiveness of hydroxycarbamide treatment indeed varies from person to person, so not everyone will experience a significant reduction in platelet counts. As for nasal bleeding, it only requires a certain amount of active platelets to achieve hemostasis, so it may no...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Platelet Count Despite Hydroxycarbamide Treatment