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Are High Bilirubin Levels And Low WBC Count Serious Concerns In A Child?
Posted on
Thu, 3 May 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 3 May 2018
Answered on
Thu, 5 Oct 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I have a question about my 9-year-old- son's recent CBC. Regarding his background, he has Hashimoto's that resulted in hypothyroidism almost two years ago. He has been successfully treated with daily levothyroxine and his levels are currently within range. However, his WBC count came back low, specifically neutrophils at .8. Also, his bilirubin came back high at 2. All other WBC levels were within range and all other liver tests were within range.
The only other thing I would add to this is about 3 days before his blood draw, he felt run down as an unknown virus moved through our family. We all had throat symptoms with some ulcerations in the throat and mouth. This passed and we are all better now except for one family member who is still fighting the virus. My son is also completely over the virus now and feels normal again.
Do we need to be concerned with either of these lab values? Do you recommend any sort of follow-up?
The only other thing I would add to this is about 3 days before his blood draw, he felt run down as an unknown virus moved through our family. We all had throat symptoms with some ulcerations in the throat and mouth. This passed and we are all better now except for one family member who is still fighting the virus. My son is also completely over the virus now and feels normal again.
Do we need to be concerned with either of these lab values? Do you recommend any sort of follow-up?
Brief Answer:
Not concerning
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern. Let me assure that the lab values are not concerning. A viral infection can lower blood counts, especially the neutrophils, but that is not anything to worry about. It would recover on its own and does not need to be monitored. I would not insist on any type of follow up unless the child has any sort of clinical presentation that calls for intervention.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Not concerning
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern. Let me assure that the lab values are not concerning. A viral infection can lower blood counts, especially the neutrophils, but that is not anything to worry about. It would recover on its own and does not need to be monitored. I would not insist on any type of follow up unless the child has any sort of clinical presentation that calls for intervention.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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