Immature granulocytes high...4.4

[suzi-q]

I have thalassemia intermedia.  I just had my blood taken and it all comes back as usual for my thalassemia.  However, my immature granulocytes is high.  Normal is under 2%.  Everything I read points to infection which I have not had or Leukemia...especially chronic myelogenous leukemia.  I have an appointment with a hematologist on March 6 and the waiting in between is driving me crazy.  I feel fine, I have no other symptoms.  Could this be related to my thalassemia?  Any info from anyone would be appreciated.  Thank you

[Ken_PA]

"I just had my blood taken and it all comes back as usual for my thalassemia."

Hi, I take it that you have normal range WBC and absolute neutrophils? If so, that's your biggest clue. With CML or infection, you'd expect some high counts on a CBC test.

An alternative possible cause for you is some systemic inflammation.

Or we could think this way: Blood cells (such as granulocytes) are made in the bone marrow. Thalassemia intermedia can cause the marrow to get over stressed, from having to compensate for the thalessima. A stressed/inflamed marrow might be causing your high immature granulocytes.


Let's look here: http://www.clinlabnavigator.com/immature-granulocytes.html

"Usually an increase in IGs is accompanied by an increase in the absolute neutrophil count. However, elderly patients, neonates, and patients with myelosuppression may have elevated IGs without an elevation of the neutrophil count."
You're not elderly, not a baby. But "myelosuppression" refers to the bone marrow.  

Another important factor: why did the doc run the test for immature granulocytes in the first place? You say you have no symptoms.

Also:
"However, my immature granulocytes is high.  Normal is under 2%."
Yours isn't as high as 10%, correct? What's your number?

Don't hesitate if you have any followup questions.

[sue-aloo]

It was my cardiologist...he always does complete blood counts on everything!  I have thalassemia and i think that is why he did it...hes been doing it for years...my usual immature granulocytes is like 1.5....this time 4.4....i am 56 years old.  I dont feel ill at all...just sick with worry right now...my WBC was in the high normal range...my blood always screwed up from my thalassemia...is there a place i can uoad my results to u?  Thank u for your responses and anything else u can offer will be great!  Thank u

[sue-aloo]

Absolute neutrophils in in normsl range

[Ken_PA]

Susan, I should add that CML is not hereditary.

That is said by the American Cancer Society and at many other places:
"CML does not run in families."
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-myeloid-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

[suzi-q]

Thank you, Ken.  I went to my cardiologist again this week for a different health issue.  We discussed my blood.  He agrees with exactly what you said about no signs of Leukemia.  He tends to believe that it is all the result of my Thalassemia and is glad I am following up with a hematologist.  My mind is definitely more at ease.  I am going to start exercising again today after taking a week off.  However, this time I am not going to push as hard as I was doing before.  Because of my thalassemia I feel I need to take it a little lighter than I was doing before.  I will definitely keep you and those posted who experience what I am going through after I see the hematologist.  Thank you so much again.

[Ken_PA]

Here's how I would look at things at this point:

You don't have the typical signs of CML. But the high-ish immature granulocytes are odd enough so that a visit with the hematologist is a good idea - as the chance to rule out leukemia and set your mind at ease. Then the next task is to figure out what is really happening, such as maybe investigating what's happening in the marrow.

It's even possible that your immature granulocytes will be back down by March.


I hope you're doing well with the thalassemia and your iron is under control.

[sue-aloo]

I have never paid much mind to my condition but now i will.  I have a lot of questions for the doctor

[Ken_PA]

Did you have a transfusion lately, that might have set things off?

[sue-aloo]

No transfusions...never had to have one

[Ken_PA]

You can paste your CBC results on the forum if you remove all identifying info of yourself and any doctors. Or you can send it in a PM to me. Or if you have an image, you can post that in your profile here with identifying info blacked out.

[sue-aloo]

I will send u my results...thring to figure out how to fo it....

[suzi-q]

It keeps saying internal error on both my computer and phone.....cant upload   ugh....