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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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History Of Dermatomyositis. Anemia Panel And SPE Suggested. Suggestions?

My WBC is 3.35; my RBC is 3.76; my HGB is 11.6; my HCT is 35.3. The Dr. wants to run an Anemia Panel and SPE in a month. I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis a few years ago. Is there anything I could do to enhance my blood work for this next lab. I am a competitive athlete and need all the energy I can find. Thanks for any suggestions you are able to share.
Mon, 19 Aug 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
The blood reports reveal that you are slightly anemic.
The hemoglobin level is 11.6 gm% as compared to atleast 12 gm% in healthy people.
Thus, a anemia panel needs to be done to find out the type of anemia.
The anemia panel included RBC indices like MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW.
These parameters will let your treating doctor know the type of anemia that you are suffering from.
Depending on the type of anemia, treatment can be given accordingly.
Anemia is commonly seen in connective tissue diseases and autoimmune diseases.
Since, you are suffering from dermatomyositis (connective tissue disease and autoimmune disease), it is likely that the anemia is caused by this primary disease.
Treatment of the underlying disease will help to treat the anemia.
Go ahead with the anemia and let me know the results for further help.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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History Of Dermatomyositis. Anemia Panel And SPE Suggested. Suggestions?

Hello and welcome to HCM, The blood reports reveal that you are slightly anemic. The hemoglobin level is 11.6 gm% as compared to atleast 12 gm% in healthy people. Thus, a anemia panel needs to be done to find out the type of anemia. The anemia panel included RBC indices like MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW. These parameters will let your treating doctor know the type of anemia that you are suffering from. Depending on the type of anemia, treatment can be given accordingly. Anemia is commonly seen in connective tissue diseases and autoimmune diseases. Since, you are suffering from dermatomyositis (connective tissue disease and autoimmune disease), it is likely that the anemia is caused by this primary disease. Treatment of the underlying disease will help to treat the anemia. Go ahead with the anemia and let me know the results for further help. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal