Seeking Clarity on My Toddler's Blood Test Results
My daughter is a 13-month-old girl weighing 26 pounds. We had blood tests conducted due to her frequent illnesses. Since October, she has been battling numerous health issues: including COVID-19, pneumonia, two instances of bronchiolitis, rhinovirus, adenovirus, three ear infections, parvovirus, and two viral upper respiratory infections, along with an undefined fever. As the holiday is upon us, I will not be able to reach out to our pediatrician until Monday for further information. While the majority of her results appeared normal, four values stood out: - **Platelet Count:** Elevated at 491 - **Monocytes Absolute:** Increased at 1.1 - **Creatinine:** Low reading of 0.20 - **AST:** High level at 50 I would appreciate any interpretation of these specific results.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 12:11:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're seeking clarity on your daughter’s blood test results, especially after her history of frequent illnesses. Here's a brief overview and some considerations regarding the specific values that stood out in her tests.
Summary of Key Blood Test Results
-
Elevated Platelet Count (491): This can indicate inflammation, infection, or other underlying conditions. In children, often, this can be a response to illness or severe infections.
-
Increased Monocytes Absolute (1.1): Similar to elevated platelets, increased monocytes can suggest an immune response to infection or inflammation.
-
Low Creatinine (0.20): While low creatinine is often not concerning in children, it's important to consider in the context of her overall health and kidney function.
-
High AST (50): This enzyme can be elevated for several reasons, including liver stress, muscle damage, or viral infections.
Possible Next Steps
-
Monitor Any Symptoms: Keep an eye on her overall health. Note if she develops any new symptoms such as changes in appetite, increased fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or any unusual behavior.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure she stays hydrated and receives balanced nutrition to support her immune system, especially given her history of various infections.
-
Document Symptoms: Consider keeping a log of her past illnesses and any current symptoms, including fever patterns, to share with your pediatrician for a more informed discussion.
-
Prepare for Your Pediatrician Visit: When you are able to contact your pediatrician, have a list of questions ready. Focus on what these values could indicate in the context of her frequent illnesses, and whether further testing may be necessary.
-
Avoid Excessive Worry: Remember that many of these values can be temporary reactions to her recent illnesses. Your pediatrician can provide the most accurate interpretation and next steps based on her complete medical history.
If there are any signs of worsening symptoms or new concerns, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. I hope your daughter feels better soon, and that you find clarity in your upcoming discussions with her pediatrician.
Related Questions
Understanding My Toddler's Rash
My 2-year-old son has developed a rash that has rapidly spread across his skin within a single day. He is experiencing significant itching as a result. We haven't introduced any medications into his routine, and we come from a smoke-free environment. He currently weighs 35 pounds. What could be the cause of this rash, and how should we approach it?
Half a Year of Back Discomfort and Swelling
Age: 18 Height/Weight Ratio (BMI): 20.6 Approximately six months ago, in January 2025, I began to suffer from discomfort in my lower back, alongside noticeable swelling on the left side. As a dedicated cheerleader and athletic competitor, I am accustomed to rigorous activities, including tumbling and stunts. Initially, I attributed my discomfort to typical soreness from overexertion. Despite the pain, I continued my training and participating in competitions. I frequently used Biofreeze for temporary relief and relied on a heating pad for about two hours every night to alleviate the pressure. By May, I concluded my competitive season, believing that a break would offer my body the chance to recover. However, nearly two months into resting, the condition of my back appears to have worsened instead of improved. The pain has become more localized, concentrating on my left side, extending from the middle upper back down to the lower lumbar region. There is a distinct swelling present, particularly along the left side up to my spine; I can feel the irritation and inflammation when I touch my back or lean forward. Recently, the discomfort has intensified and become more frequent, now manifesting even when I sit upright or move around. Additionally, attempting to sleep on my back has become quite painful. At the end of March, I mentioned this issue to my doctor, but at that time, the symptoms were more manageable. Unfortunately, I did not provide her with a comprehensive description, so her advice was simply to monitor it as needed. Given that it was my senior season, I was determined not to withdraw from competitions. Since then, I have been resting, yet the situation seems stagnant or even deteriorating. I'm uncertain about whether this is part of the healing process needing more time or if my symptoms indicate a more serious issue. I feel hesitant to approach my doctor again, fearing that I might be perceived as overly dramatic. However, as I prepare to transition to college out of state next year, I am increasingly anxious about the possibility of an underlying problem that needs addressing.
Unexpected Red Rash Following Vaccination
I’m a 36-year-old woman, weighing 115 pounds and standing at 5’3”, who received the p23 vaccine yesterday. After the shot, the injection site has been quite sore. However, just as I was settling in for the night, I noticed an itchiness, followed by the emergence of a raised red rash. Remarkably, there are two distinct lines extending from the center of my upper arm, where the vaccine was administered. While that area features a considerable red swelling, the lines heading toward my armpit are particularly unusual; I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I tracked their growth with a pen, and within about half an hour, they lengthened significantly. Though the itching has subsided, the affected region feels warm to the touch and appears slightly swollen. Although it’s likely just a typical post-vaccination response, the rapid development of these lines connecting my arm to my armpit raises some concern. Better to be cautious, right? I would have liked to share a photo, but it seems I can’t upload one. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Possible Chronic Appendicitis?
Hello, I'm a 17-year-old male, and over the past seven years, I've experienced recurring pain in my lower right abdomen. The first episode occurred when I was around ten years old; it was so intense that I struggled to walk or stand without discomfort. Fortunately, the pain subsided after a few days. I had a similar incident roughly six months to a year later, but then the pain completely disappeared until today. Today, I felt abdominal cramps that escalated into the familiar sharp pain in my lower right side. However, this time, the pain was significantly milder—about five times less intense—and it faded within a few hours. Could this indicate chronic appendicitis? I’m really anxious about my health; I’m worried it might just be constipation, but I’m not entirely sure.
Concern About My Big Toe Injury
A couple of months ago, I accidentally dropped a weight plate on my big toe, which has resulted in a prolonged healing process. Just yesterday, I visited my doctor who removed a section of my toenail, as it was growing into the flesh. Unfortunately, the gauze wrap that was meant to protect the area came off while I was sleeping, leaving the toe looking quite concerning at the moment. The doctor also prescribed me antibiotics for the situation. Now, I'm pondering whether I should head to the emergency room or simply continue treating it at home with iodosorb and a fresh wrap. Any advice would be appreciated!