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Looking For An Infectious Disease Specialist To Interpret My Son’s
Question: Looking for an infectious disease specialist to interpret my son’s lab results.
Looking for an infectious disease specialist to interpret my son’s lab results.
Brief Answer:
past EBV infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the lab reports and the accompanying text. His positive IgG antibodies indicate past EBV infection (Epstein-Barr virus). The lack of IgM or early antigen titers excludes acute infection.
His calcium is all-right because of his high albumin levels. High albumin levels 'justify' higher calcium levels. The high albumin levels usually mean dehydration (lack of water due to increased losses or reduced intake).
His anion gap seems to be slightly higher than the normal levels but this is not high enough to be sure it's really abnormal and does not reveal much about his condition.
Low CD57 counts are not easy to interpret. They're associated with a multitude of disorders (and some infection like Lyme disease) but you'd better consult with a hematologist about that. They're not diagnostic of any disease though on their own.
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be tricky. It should be done in two steps and should fulfill certain criteria. Sometimes the diagnosis is in doubt.
The high B12 levels may indicate a multitude of disorders including infections and malignancies. High levels are not diagnostic of anything though, so this is not very useful.
Clinical information is very important when interpreting lab results. His symptoms (and how they evolved) is - sometimes - more useful than the lab reports, as strange as it may sound.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards!
past EBV infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the lab reports and the accompanying text. His positive IgG antibodies indicate past EBV infection (Epstein-Barr virus). The lack of IgM or early antigen titers excludes acute infection.
His calcium is all-right because of his high albumin levels. High albumin levels 'justify' higher calcium levels. The high albumin levels usually mean dehydration (lack of water due to increased losses or reduced intake).
His anion gap seems to be slightly higher than the normal levels but this is not high enough to be sure it's really abnormal and does not reveal much about his condition.
Low CD57 counts are not easy to interpret. They're associated with a multitude of disorders (and some infection like Lyme disease) but you'd better consult with a hematologist about that. They're not diagnostic of any disease though on their own.
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be tricky. It should be done in two steps and should fulfill certain criteria. Sometimes the diagnosis is in doubt.
The high B12 levels may indicate a multitude of disorders including infections and malignancies. High levels are not diagnostic of anything though, so this is not very useful.
Clinical information is very important when interpreting lab results. His symptoms (and how they evolved) is - sometimes - more useful than the lab reports, as strange as it may sound.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
past EBV infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the lab reports and the accompanying text. His positive IgG antibodies indicate past EBV infection (Epstein-Barr virus). The lack of IgM or early antigen titers excludes acute infection.
His calcium is all-right because of his high albumin levels. High albumin levels 'justify' higher calcium levels. The high albumin levels usually mean dehydration (lack of water due to increased losses or reduced intake).
His anion gap seems to be slightly higher than the normal levels but this is not high enough to be sure it's really abnormal and does not reveal much about his condition.
Low CD57 counts are not easy to interpret. They're associated with a multitude of disorders (and some infection like Lyme disease) but you'd better consult with a hematologist about that. They're not diagnostic of any disease though on their own.
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be tricky. It should be done in two steps and should fulfill certain criteria. Sometimes the diagnosis is in doubt.
The high B12 levels may indicate a multitude of disorders including infections and malignancies. High levels are not diagnostic of anything though, so this is not very useful.
Clinical information is very important when interpreting lab results. His symptoms (and how they evolved) is - sometimes - more useful than the lab reports, as strange as it may sound.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards!
past EBV infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the lab reports and the accompanying text. His positive IgG antibodies indicate past EBV infection (Epstein-Barr virus). The lack of IgM or early antigen titers excludes acute infection.
His calcium is all-right because of his high albumin levels. High albumin levels 'justify' higher calcium levels. The high albumin levels usually mean dehydration (lack of water due to increased losses or reduced intake).
His anion gap seems to be slightly higher than the normal levels but this is not high enough to be sure it's really abnormal and does not reveal much about his condition.
Low CD57 counts are not easy to interpret. They're associated with a multitude of disorders (and some infection like Lyme disease) but you'd better consult with a hematologist about that. They're not diagnostic of any disease though on their own.
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be tricky. It should be done in two steps and should fulfill certain criteria. Sometimes the diagnosis is in doubt.
The high B12 levels may indicate a multitude of disorders including infections and malignancies. High levels are not diagnostic of anything though, so this is not very useful.
Clinical information is very important when interpreting lab results. His symptoms (and how they evolved) is - sometimes - more useful than the lab reports, as strange as it may sound.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much. I should note that drinks a couple of gallons of water daily but always feels thirsty despite hydrating. What do you think about his labs with that in mind? I think I will schedule a hematologist appt for him. I am very worried.
Thank you very much. I should note that drinks a couple of gallons of water daily but always feels thirsty despite hydrating. What do you think about his labs with that in mind? I think I will schedule a hematologist appt for him. I am very worried.
One last thing, could a very low carb diet cause any of these abnormalities?
One last thing, could a very low carb diet cause any of these abnormalities?
Brief Answer:
too much water!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
A couple of gallons is too much water that may cause problems. I didn't see any electrolyte disorders though, so I was wondering whether his weight lifting history may mean that he stills exercises hard enough to lose comparable amounts of water (respiratory losses and perspiration). Does he urinate a lot? Has he ever measured his daily urine output?
A low carb diet is not supposed to cause any problems particularly is the short term. The long term implications of low carb diets have not been adequately studied.
too much water!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
A couple of gallons is too much water that may cause problems. I didn't see any electrolyte disorders though, so I was wondering whether his weight lifting history may mean that he stills exercises hard enough to lose comparable amounts of water (respiratory losses and perspiration). Does he urinate a lot? Has he ever measured his daily urine output?
A low carb diet is not supposed to cause any problems particularly is the short term. The long term implications of low carb diets have not been adequately studied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
too much water!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
A couple of gallons is too much water that may cause problems. I didn't see any electrolyte disorders though, so I was wondering whether his weight lifting history may mean that he stills exercises hard enough to lose comparable amounts of water (respiratory losses and perspiration). Does he urinate a lot? Has he ever measured his daily urine output?
A low carb diet is not supposed to cause any problems particularly is the short term. The long term implications of low carb diets have not been adequately studied.
too much water!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
A couple of gallons is too much water that may cause problems. I didn't see any electrolyte disorders though, so I was wondering whether his weight lifting history may mean that he stills exercises hard enough to lose comparable amounts of water (respiratory losses and perspiration). Does he urinate a lot? Has he ever measured his daily urine output?
A low carb diet is not supposed to cause any problems particularly is the short term. The long term implications of low carb diets have not been adequately studied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No, he doesn’t have any energy to exercise. He has never measured his urine output. He isn’t swollen at all. He has Candida overgrowth so was on a practically zero carb diet for 6 months and began to liberalize and add low carbs back in like green veggies and brown rice or quinoa. I’m going to have him measure exactly how much water he drinks in a day and maybe I should have him measure his urine too. He isn’t fluid overloaded though.
No, he doesn’t have any energy to exercise. He has never measured his urine output. He isn’t swollen at all. He has Candida overgrowth so was on a practically zero carb diet for 6 months and began to liberalize and add low carbs back in like green veggies and brown rice or quinoa. I’m going to have him measure exactly how much water he drinks in a day and maybe I should have him measure his urine too. He isn’t fluid overloaded though.
Brief Answer:
he's probably OK with the fluid balance
Detailed Answer:
If he hasn't gained weight rapidly or got swollen or developed shortness of breath then he can't be accumulating water inside his body. It's very likely that he loses the water he drinks. If he does drink two gallons of water, he should have both his water intake and urine output measured over a 24 hour period.
Where was the Candida located (mouth, esophagus, etc) ? Low carb diet is not required for the treatment of such infections. The body is supposed to control the blood sugar accurately (at least when the patient is not diabetic) and prevent glucose losses into the urine. There is hyperglycemia either as prompt insulin excretion will contain glucose excursions after meals. Has he used antifungals?
he's probably OK with the fluid balance
Detailed Answer:
If he hasn't gained weight rapidly or got swollen or developed shortness of breath then he can't be accumulating water inside his body. It's very likely that he loses the water he drinks. If he does drink two gallons of water, he should have both his water intake and urine output measured over a 24 hour period.
Where was the Candida located (mouth, esophagus, etc) ? Low carb diet is not required for the treatment of such infections. The body is supposed to control the blood sugar accurately (at least when the patient is not diabetic) and prevent glucose losses into the urine. There is hyperglycemia either as prompt insulin excretion will contain glucose excursions after meals. Has he used antifungals?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
he's probably OK with the fluid balance
Detailed Answer:
If he hasn't gained weight rapidly or got swollen or developed shortness of breath then he can't be accumulating water inside his body. It's very likely that he loses the water he drinks. If he does drink two gallons of water, he should have both his water intake and urine output measured over a 24 hour period.
Where was the Candida located (mouth, esophagus, etc) ? Low carb diet is not required for the treatment of such infections. The body is supposed to control the blood sugar accurately (at least when the patient is not diabetic) and prevent glucose losses into the urine. There is hyperglycemia either as prompt insulin excretion will contain glucose excursions after meals. Has he used antifungals?
he's probably OK with the fluid balance
Detailed Answer:
If he hasn't gained weight rapidly or got swollen or developed shortness of breath then he can't be accumulating water inside his body. It's very likely that he loses the water he drinks. If he does drink two gallons of water, he should have both his water intake and urine output measured over a 24 hour period.
Where was the Candida located (mouth, esophagus, etc) ? Low carb diet is not required for the treatment of such infections. The body is supposed to control the blood sugar accurately (at least when the patient is not diabetic) and prevent glucose losses into the urine. There is hyperglycemia either as prompt insulin excretion will contain glucose excursions after meals. Has he used antifungals?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, he has taken a couple of courses of antifungals. The Candida was in his stool and urine and considered an overgrowth. It’s a controversial diagnosis. He just doesn’t feel well and has lots of unusual problems. He has had a scalp infection for 4 years. He stopped sugar and milk and any inflammatory foods to keep it at bay. I don’t know why is wrong with him. Do you have a suggestion for a specialist? Immunologist and hematologist? His primary care doctor seemed to think this was a mental health issue so I have been paying out of pocket for him to see an MD who specializes in complex cases. We only see her every 3-4 weeks so it has been a long work up period.
Yes, he has taken a couple of courses of antifungals. The Candida was in his stool and urine and considered an overgrowth. It’s a controversial diagnosis. He just doesn’t feel well and has lots of unusual problems. He has had a scalp infection for 4 years. He stopped sugar and milk and any inflammatory foods to keep it at bay. I don’t know why is wrong with him. Do you have a suggestion for a specialist? Immunologist and hematologist? His primary care doctor seemed to think this was a mental health issue so I have been paying out of pocket for him to see an MD who specializes in complex cases. We only see her every 3-4 weeks so it has been a long work up period.
Brief Answer:
The Candida 'scenario' does not seem likely
Detailed Answer:
Candida in the stool does not mean much. Candida in the urine may mean infection or it may not. Symptoms should normally be present for an infection to be diagnosed. I can't comment on the scalp infection as I don't have any information about it. For example if the infection required drainage then it may have lasted for even longer (had it not been drained that is). Dietary restrictions for fungal infections are undocumented in an otherwise healthy individual. I can't either encourage or discourage them. A hematologist should be able to tel you more about the CD57 issue. Mental health issues may indeed cause unusual symptoms that doctors cannot diagnose for a long time despite extensive workup.
I don't know if he's done more tests but ESR, autoantibodies like the antinuclear antibodies, radiological tests (ultrasound scans and perhaps CT scans) may provide some help (at least to exclude certain disorders). Checking his temperature twice daily for 3 consecutive days may be helpful in case of a 'chronic' infection. Also keep track of his body weight. Losing weight usually means an organic cause.
I understand that this is a difficult situation for both of you. I hope you do find a solution in the near future.
The Candida 'scenario' does not seem likely
Detailed Answer:
Candida in the stool does not mean much. Candida in the urine may mean infection or it may not. Symptoms should normally be present for an infection to be diagnosed. I can't comment on the scalp infection as I don't have any information about it. For example if the infection required drainage then it may have lasted for even longer (had it not been drained that is). Dietary restrictions for fungal infections are undocumented in an otherwise healthy individual. I can't either encourage or discourage them. A hematologist should be able to tel you more about the CD57 issue. Mental health issues may indeed cause unusual symptoms that doctors cannot diagnose for a long time despite extensive workup.
I don't know if he's done more tests but ESR, autoantibodies like the antinuclear antibodies, radiological tests (ultrasound scans and perhaps CT scans) may provide some help (at least to exclude certain disorders). Checking his temperature twice daily for 3 consecutive days may be helpful in case of a 'chronic' infection. Also keep track of his body weight. Losing weight usually means an organic cause.
I understand that this is a difficult situation for both of you. I hope you do find a solution in the near future.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
The Candida 'scenario' does not seem likely
Detailed Answer:
Candida in the stool does not mean much. Candida in the urine may mean infection or it may not. Symptoms should normally be present for an infection to be diagnosed. I can't comment on the scalp infection as I don't have any information about it. For example if the infection required drainage then it may have lasted for even longer (had it not been drained that is). Dietary restrictions for fungal infections are undocumented in an otherwise healthy individual. I can't either encourage or discourage them. A hematologist should be able to tel you more about the CD57 issue. Mental health issues may indeed cause unusual symptoms that doctors cannot diagnose for a long time despite extensive workup.
I don't know if he's done more tests but ESR, autoantibodies like the antinuclear antibodies, radiological tests (ultrasound scans and perhaps CT scans) may provide some help (at least to exclude certain disorders). Checking his temperature twice daily for 3 consecutive days may be helpful in case of a 'chronic' infection. Also keep track of his body weight. Losing weight usually means an organic cause.
I understand that this is a difficult situation for both of you. I hope you do find a solution in the near future.
The Candida 'scenario' does not seem likely
Detailed Answer:
Candida in the stool does not mean much. Candida in the urine may mean infection or it may not. Symptoms should normally be present for an infection to be diagnosed. I can't comment on the scalp infection as I don't have any information about it. For example if the infection required drainage then it may have lasted for even longer (had it not been drained that is). Dietary restrictions for fungal infections are undocumented in an otherwise healthy individual. I can't either encourage or discourage them. A hematologist should be able to tel you more about the CD57 issue. Mental health issues may indeed cause unusual symptoms that doctors cannot diagnose for a long time despite extensive workup.
I don't know if he's done more tests but ESR, autoantibodies like the antinuclear antibodies, radiological tests (ultrasound scans and perhaps CT scans) may provide some help (at least to exclude certain disorders). Checking his temperature twice daily for 3 consecutive days may be helpful in case of a 'chronic' infection. Also keep track of his body weight. Losing weight usually means an organic cause.
I understand that this is a difficult situation for both of you. I hope you do find a solution in the near future.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your insight. It is much appreciated
Thank you for your insight. It is much appreciated
Brief Answer:
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I hope I've helped somehow.
Best wishes!
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I hope I've helped somehow.
Best wishes!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I hope I've helped somehow.
Best wishes!
you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I hope I've helped somehow.
Best wishes!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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