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What Causes Elevated Eosinophils During Pregnancy?
Question: Hello,
Would you please kindly help with following question. Female, 35 years old, pregnant (27 weeks). As of November 2014 my gynecologist makes CBC monthly. In november all was OK. In December there was eosinophilia (absolute count - 1,45 10x9/L or 13%; in January eosinophilic count increased to 1,57 10x9/L or 16%; in February - 1,66 10x9/L or 17 %. All other values are Ok. My gynecologist is not concerned, but I am very worried after reading about possible malignancies.
I feel OK, the only complaint could be mucous in throat, sometimes a bit of wheezing, something feels irritated in upper chest. I have confirmed acid reflux.
Please advise if these eosinophil counts can mean cancer ( leukemia, lymphoma, etc) and should I run to hematologist?
I'm also on daily injections of fraxiparine to sustain pregnancy, could this cause eosinophilia?
Thank you very much in advance!
Would you please kindly help with following question. Female, 35 years old, pregnant (27 weeks). As of November 2014 my gynecologist makes CBC monthly. In november all was OK. In December there was eosinophilia (absolute count - 1,45 10x9/L or 13%; in January eosinophilic count increased to 1,57 10x9/L or 16%; in February - 1,66 10x9/L or 17 %. All other values are Ok. My gynecologist is not concerned, but I am very worried after reading about possible malignancies.
I feel OK, the only complaint could be mucous in throat, sometimes a bit of wheezing, something feels irritated in upper chest. I have confirmed acid reflux.
Please advise if these eosinophil counts can mean cancer ( leukemia, lymphoma, etc) and should I run to hematologist?
I'm also on daily injections of fraxiparine to sustain pregnancy, could this cause eosinophilia?
Thank you very much in advance!
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry about ma'am; just an allergic reaction
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. High levels of eosinophils during pregnancy is very common and is mostly (almost always) seen due to the various allergic reactions a pregnant woman can have to the various changes taking place in the body.
I completely agree with your research about eosinophil counts increasing due to inflammation, tumors, and even in cancer, but this research is incomplete as there are many other factors and conditions that can cause an elevation in eosinophil levels (e.g. asthma, drug allergies, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome, allergic reactions, etc.). But as this elevation has occurred during pregnancy, I am almost completely sure it is purely because of the pregnancy.
The eosinophil count will have to be monitored, and if at all there is a further increase in the count, then steroids (prednisone) may have to be administered. Do not worry about this, as it is considered safe and is used in majority of pregnancies that have resulted in a safe baby and mother.
In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to worry about and I am sure your doctor is also not worried for the very same reason. Do not worry, and enjoy your pregnancy. Your eosinophil count will soon subside in a while or start immediately after delivery, I guarantee you this.
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
Nothing to worry about ma'am; just an allergic reaction
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. High levels of eosinophils during pregnancy is very common and is mostly (almost always) seen due to the various allergic reactions a pregnant woman can have to the various changes taking place in the body.
I completely agree with your research about eosinophil counts increasing due to inflammation, tumors, and even in cancer, but this research is incomplete as there are many other factors and conditions that can cause an elevation in eosinophil levels (e.g. asthma, drug allergies, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome, allergic reactions, etc.). But as this elevation has occurred during pregnancy, I am almost completely sure it is purely because of the pregnancy.
The eosinophil count will have to be monitored, and if at all there is a further increase in the count, then steroids (prednisone) may have to be administered. Do not worry about this, as it is considered safe and is used in majority of pregnancies that have resulted in a safe baby and mother.
In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to worry about and I am sure your doctor is also not worried for the very same reason. Do not worry, and enjoy your pregnancy. Your eosinophil count will soon subside in a while or start immediately after delivery, I guarantee you this.
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for your reply, and very kind attempt to reassure me. I'd like to ask - you've advised that increase of eosinophils is common in pregnancy, however I've tried to search for more info about this, and available online resources state that this is not typical and eosinophil count usually stays the same. It was also mentioned that count like mine is too high for usual allergic reactions.
Do you still think I have nothing to worry about, if my other blood numbers are OK?
Could this increase be due to fraxiparine (form of heparin) injections?
Thank you!
Do you still think I have nothing to worry about, if my other blood numbers are OK?
Could this increase be due to fraxiparine (form of heparin) injections?
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Yes, fraxiparine can contribute to elevated eosinophil counts
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.
Yes, there have been reports of fraxiparine causing elevations in eosinophil counts, and this would again relate to your presentation. Along with this, I would like to differ to the information you have seen online, and would like you to know that at least 2-3 out of 10 pregnant woman experience elevations in eosinophil counts, and this is absolutely nothing to worry about.
My sister-in-law just had her first child, and she too had elevated eosinophil counts during her pregnancy which were not settling for quite some time, thus requiring the use of steroids.
I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
Yes, fraxiparine can contribute to elevated eosinophil counts
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.
Yes, there have been reports of fraxiparine causing elevations in eosinophil counts, and this would again relate to your presentation. Along with this, I would like to differ to the information you have seen online, and would like you to know that at least 2-3 out of 10 pregnant woman experience elevations in eosinophil counts, and this is absolutely nothing to worry about.
My sister-in-law just had her first child, and she too had elevated eosinophil counts during her pregnancy which were not settling for quite some time, thus requiring the use of steroids.
I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much, doctor, you've put my mind at ease! All the best to you!
Brief Answer:
It was my pleasure entirely
Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.
I am happy I could be of assistance. I wish you all the luck you need and more, healthy, wealthy and happiness. Please do not hesitate to write to me anytime in the future should you ever need my assistance.
Best wishes.
It was my pleasure entirely
Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.
I am happy I could be of assistance. I wish you all the luck you need and more, healthy, wealthy and happiness. Please do not hesitate to write to me anytime in the future should you ever need my assistance.
Best wishes.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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