Understanding Abnormal Blood Tests: What Do These Results Indicate?
Hello Doctors, I appreciate your assistance in reviewing my situation! I’m a 34-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism, and aside from that, I have generally been in good health. Recently, I have been experiencing some troubling symptoms including recurring canker sores, severe fatigue, occasional muscle weakness, and shortness of breath. These issues prompted my visit to a physician who then referred me to a rheumatologist after noting some low positive results for ANA and a positive finding for Anticardiolipin antibodies. During my appointment, the rheumatologist observed considerable inflammation in my joints and subsequently diagnosed me with inflammatory arthritis. This diagnosis is puzzling to me, as I do not experience any joint pain or stiffness, which makes me question its accuracy. In the follow-up blood tests, results showed a negative for both Anticardiolipin antibodies and ANA. However, several other markers were abnormal: - Low Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): 6.9 - Elevated Chloride: 109 - Low Carbon Dioxide (CO2): 20 I am curious if these abnormal values could hold any significance given my current health status. Thank you once again for your help!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 3:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation; it sounds like you are navigating some complex health issues, and it's understandable to seek clarity on your symptoms and lab results.
Main Points:
Your recent symptoms combined with the abnormal test results suggest potential underlying health concerns that warrant attention. The abnormalities in your blood tests could indicate specific conditions, but they aren't definitive alone for a diagnosis. Here’s a summary of what your results could mean and actionable steps you can take.
Explanation:
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Low Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): This can indicate a couple of things. It may suggest that your body is not producing enough platelets, or it could be a reaction to inflammation. It can be associated with certain conditions but is not specific on its own.
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Elevated Chloride: High chloride levels can sometimes indicate dehydration, kidney issues, or an electrolyte imbalance. It’s crucial to consider it in the context of other symptoms and tests you have.
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Low Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Low CO2 levels may indicate metabolic acidosis, which could happen due to respiratory issues, chronic diarrhea, or kidney dysfunction among other causes.
Next Steps:
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Keep Monitoring Symptoms: Track your symptoms closely, including any changes or new developments regarding fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and the frequency of canker sores. This information can help your healthcare providers.
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Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Given the elevated chloride, ensure you are drinking adequate fluids and consider increasing your intake of potassium and magnesium-rich foods, which may help in balancing electrolytes.
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Follow Up with Your Rheumatologist: Given the recent diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis and your concerning symptoms, it’s vital to have continued follow-up. Discuss your symptoms, lab results, and ask about further investigations or whether a second opinion on the diagnosis could be beneficial.
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Seek Additional Evaluations if Necessary: If you continue to feel unwell or if severe symptoms like difficulty breathing worsen, do not hesitate to reach out for immediate care.
Remember, your health journey is unique, and it’s important to collaborate with your healthcare team to piece together these symptoms and lab results. If you have further questions or need different resources, feel free to ask!
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