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What Causes Elevated WBC Levels?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Question: 33 yr. old single mother, recent auto accident, restrained driver. Upon arrival to ER, HCT 27.9, HGB 6.8 with pain in her sides & right thigh. Within 1 hr. patient's HGB dropped to 5.4 & HCT to 25.6 with irregular heartbeats. Within 3 days patient began to present elevated WBC.

Answered by Dr. Guru (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Elevated WBC, in this scenario suggest presence o

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic!

Elevated WBC, in this scenario suggest presence of infection. Treating doctors need to vigorously check for the infection site and manage appropriately. She might need aggressive management with IV antibiotics, blood cultures etc.
As hemoglobin levels are low, internal bleeding needs to be checked. CT abdome would be required and if there is such thing, they might go for emergency surgical intervention. However, a Physical examination is mandatory to assess this since there are variety of other causes that needs to be ruled out.

Hope I have answered your query.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Guru (10 days later)

Pt. is a 24 yr. old male, suffering from a gunshot wound at the C5 spinal level. He has a past history of type 2 diabetes. He is a current grad student and will soon marry his Hi-school sweetheart which is 8 months pregnant. While in the hosp ... he was noticed to have a white discharge in his urine and will soon be transferred to an inpatient rehab for continued therapy.
(1) What body part(s) is affected by the C5 wound and how ?? (2) What major body part does type 2 diabetes affect and what treatments are recommended ?? (3)What can the discharge in patient's urine imply, and/or possible diseases relative ??

Answered by Dr. Guru (5 days later)

Brief Answer:
Breathing will be weakened, paralysis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Sorry for delay in replying.

(1) What body part(s) is affected by the C5 wound and how ?

Breathing will be weakened, paralysis of wrists, hands, trunk and legs can occur.

(2) What major body part does type 2 diabetes affect and what treatments are recommended ?
Kidney is one of the major part but eyes, heart, nerves, are also major things to be effected. Treatment depends on duration of diabetes and levels of blood sugar and should be adjusted accordingly. Mainly includes lifestyle measures, oral hypoglycemics and insulin.

(3)What can the discharge in patient's urine imply, and/or possible diseases relative ?
May be due to infections like urethritis and other bacterial or viral infections. may also be physiological like discharge of semen.

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Guru (1 hour later)

Dr. V, Thank you sincerely for your in depth response to my question. That the question I asked was part of a class study I am taking ... the response and details you provided gave me the pathway for a more directed and focused approach to my assignment. Once again Dr. ... thank you so very much. Should I need additional support in the near ... you DEFINITELY will be my 'GO TO GUY' !!

Answered by Dr. Guru (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you very much

Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for your reply. I will be more than happy to assist, if you need again in future.

Please take care!

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar