Concerns Over 16-Month-Old's CBC Results
My 16-month-old child has not been feeling well lately, which has left me quite uneasy. After visiting the hospital for a thorough examination and subsequent blood tests, we received some CBC results that raised several alarms. The pediatrician suspects that he may have roseola, but we are scheduled for a follow-up blood test next week to monitor the situation more closely. I'm looking for advice on what questions I should pose to ensure I’m fully informed and able to alleviate my worries. Currently, he weighs 18 pounds, which places him below the average range for his age, and he is in the second percentile for height. Here are the key findings from his CBC test that we’re particularly concerned about: - Neutrophils percentage is at 7.9, while the normal range is 22.7 to 69.3. - Lymphocytes are 83.3, exceeding the normal range of 13.0 to 70.0. - Absolute Neutrophils measured at 0.5, which should typically range from 2.3 to 6.4 K/µL. - Eosinophils are at 0, with the normal range being between 1.0 and 5.0. - White Blood Cell (WBC) count stands at 5.9, though the normal range is 7.0 to 13.1. - Platelet count shows 173, while a healthy range is 185 to 408.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 6:02:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: It’s understandable to be worried about your child’s CBC results and overall health. Focus on getting clarity about the implications of these results and how they relate to his current condition. Here’s how to approach your pediatrician during your next visit.
Explanation: The CBC results show some abnormalities, particularly with neutrophils and lymphocytes. Neutrophils are crucial for fighting infections, while lymphocytes play a key role in immune response. Low neutrophils and high lymphocytes might indicate an ongoing viral infection, such as the suspected roseola. It's essential to understand how these results connect to your child's symptoms and overall health, particularly given his low weight and height percentiles.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Ask About the Significance of Test Results:
- Inquire about what each abnormal component (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) means in your child’s context.
- Request clarification on how these results correlate with his symptoms and potential diagnoses, like roseola.
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Weight and Growth Concerns:
- Discuss your child's growth measurements in detail. Ask what you can do to support healthier weight gain and growth, considering his current weight is below the average for his age.
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Next Steps for Monitoring:
- Confirm what the follow-up blood test will look for and how the results will change the approach to treatment or management of symptoms.
- Ask how to monitor your child's condition at home and what red flags to look out for that would necessitate immediate medical attention.
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Nutritional Guidance:
- Seek advice on feeding strategies or nutritional support to help boost his growth and recovery.
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Management of Symptoms:
- Discuss what supportive care you can provide at home to help your child feel more comfortable while recovering (e.g., fever management, hydration).
Having these questions ready will not only give you peace of mind but will also spark a detailed discussion with your pediatrician to better understand your child's health needs. Please remember, it’s normal to feel concerned, and your proactive approach is crucial in advocating for your child's health.
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