Low WBC

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Ever since I started going for annual general health screening (full blood count, liver function, kidney function, cholesterol level, CEA and CA 19.9 tumour marker) few years ago, I noticed that I had low WBC, a condition that the pathology lab labeled as leucopenia. 

My then GP (now retired) didn't think much about it after a second test few months later showed similar level and I was doing fine.

However, the latest level of 2.8 got me worried. Historically, it had been 3.3, 3.2, 3.2, amd 3.4 (normal range is (4 - 11). I consulted a friend, who is an anaesthetist, and he in turn consulted his father, an internal medicine specialist. They both advised me to consult a hematologist. I then made an appointment with Dr Alan Teh at SJMC, at an ungodly hour of 9 am 😁 Apparently he sees new patient early in the morning.

In summary,

Possible causes of low WBC :
1. Lack  of Vit B12, folate. Not likely because I take multi-vit supplement
2. Autoimmune disorder
3. Bone marrow not producing enough

Course of action :
1. Redo blood test. Similar results (2.9). Absolute amount of neutrophils, part of WBC that fights infection, is ok though
2. Test for folate, vit B12 and autoimmune disorder (ANA). Results will be discussed next appointment in 4 weeks time
3. Redo blood test at next appointment
4. Don't take any supplements in the meantime

Comments

Anonymous said…
From personal experience, there is nothing you can eat that will increase WBC count. I was told about the B-12, so I began taking a B-Complex--did not help at all. Only thing that helped me was a WBC booster shot. WBC is made by your bone marrow. Since yours has been historically on the low side, that could be your "normal." However, now that it has begun to go lower, it is wise that your doctors are trying to get to the bottom of it. Hope all goes well, and you need nothing more than a WBC shot. SR
February 5, 2021 at 3:23 AM
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