White Blood Cell Differential Findings (Mild Poikilocytosis, Burr Cells, Schistocytes)
Recently, my son, a 6-year-old weighing 47 pounds and measuring 47 inches, underwent a series of lab tests. The majority of the results fell within the normal range, including his complete blood count (CBC), and his erythrocyte sedimentation rate registered at 0. While the white blood cell (WBC) differential appeared standard, it revealed a slight rise in eosinophil count (0.89), above the typical range of 0 to 0.7. He suffers from moderate seasonal allergies and was experiencing symptoms at the time of the assessment. Additionally, he was somewhat dehydrated, having spent time at the park prior to the tests, during which I had to purchase water for him. What raises concerns for me are the lab results indicating a limited presence of poikilocytosis, burr cells, and schistocytes. It’s hard to say if these results are connected, but our family faced a bout of strep throat a few weeks ago, and my son was not tested as he displayed no symptoms. Overall, he has been doing well lately, aside from the occasional allergic reaction. The physician requested these tests, along with an X-ray, due to some mild back discomfort he experienced after jumping on trampolines. He does not have any significant medical history. He has a benign heart murmur and takes no prescription medications, apart from Zyrtec as required for his allergies. I appreciate any insights you can provide.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 4:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to have concerns about your son's lab results, especially with unique findings like mild poikilocytosis, burr cells, and schistocytes. These results may indicate different underlying issues, but it's important to consider the overall context.
Main Points
- Mild poikilocytosis, burr cells, and schistocytes can reflect different health conditions or responses to other factors.
- Your son's dehydration and seasonal allergies may also contribute to mild changes in blood cell morphology.
- Ongoing monitoring and hydration are essential given recent symptoms and the family history of strep throat.
Explanation
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Understanding Cell Types:
- Poikilocytosis indicates irregularity in red blood cell shapes, while burr cells (echinocytes) and schistocytes (fragmented cells) can represent stress on the blood or underlying conditions.
- These findings, especially if slight and not accompanied by significant symptoms, can sometimes be transient and associated with dehydration or minor, acute health issues.
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Contextual Factors:
- Your son’s slight eosinophilia (increased eosinophil count) correlates with his seasonal allergies, signifying an allergic response.
- Dehydration, especially after vigorous activity, can result in temporary changes in the blood that normalize with better hydration.
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History and Symptoms:
- Given the recent illness (strep throat) in the family, it is wise to keep an eye on his overall health. While he showed no symptoms, some infections can be subtle.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Ensure your son stays well-hydrated, especially after physical activity. Aim to have fresh water accessible during playtime or outdoor activities.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms, especially related to his back discomfort or any signs of infection (fever, unusual tiredness, etc.).
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Follow-Up: Maintain communication with your healthcare provider. If his back discomfort persists or worsens significantly, or if he develops new concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult the physician promptly. They may want to reassess the lab findings in the light of any developments.
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Allergy Management: Continue to manage his seasonal allergies, as effective allergy control can also help minimize eosinophil counts and associated symptoms. Ensure Zyrtec is taken as needed.
Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions or concerns about his health. Supporting your child through this can alleviate some of the worries.
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