Helena, AL
A 26-year-old female asked:
What does high neutrophils and low lymphocytes in a patient with gastroenteritis and pancreatitis indicate? could this be a result of an autoimmune condition? on another occasion in the same patient, what about normal neutrophils but low lymphocytes prese
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stuart Hickersonanswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Neutrophils: Both conditions are acute inflammatory conditions and would cause this picture- high neutrophils and low lymphocytes. This is what is known as a left shift and is commonly seen. Although an autoimmune process may be an underlying cause this specific WBC reaction is not an indication of autoimmunity.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Thomas Kleinanswered
Allergy and Immunology 42 years experience
See below: Elevated neutrophils and a low lymphocyte count is also called a "shift to the left." it could be caused by infection and also steroids. Autoimmune conditions should not be the cause. Regarding the same patient and low lymphocytes with a normal neutrophil count i would wonder about their immunoglobulin levels to see if they have an immune deficiency.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 5, 2019
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