Hi doctor, My husband had AML nine years ago and was discharged in remission. He is now on a once-a-year review with the oncologist. Yesterday, he went for his checkup and discovered that the neutrophils have dropped. Below please find his readings: WBC 4.07, RBC 4.96, hemoglobin 15.0, platelets 188 and neutrophils 1.35. The reference range for neutrophils is at 1.56. He will need to go back in one month's time for a retake of the blood test. He is so far doing fine with no fever, sore throat, ulcer apart from some backache. We are worried as there could be a relapse of leukemia. Can you assist to enlighten me? Thank you so much.
Hello. Your total WBC (white blood cell) count is within the limit and only neutrophils dropped down slightly. There are many causes for dropping in neutrophils count and infection like certain viral infections can sometimes lead to bone marrow suppression of neutrophils series. If it is a relapsing case of leukemia then peripheral smear might show abnormal premature cells in excessive amount. But anyway, as suggested by your oncologist, now you have to just repeat your CBC (complete blood count) with peripheral smear examination in few days and then we will discuss further. Meanwhile, take a healthy diet and fruits. For more information consult a hematologist online -->