Breathing problem and sudden deith

[Arqam]

My 15 years old cousin feels breathing problem so admited in hospital at 12:30am. BP 11O/90, PR 130, TEMP 98. She given oxygen and fluid. At 2:30am she started shouting and look like abnormal so she given injection to sleep. Morning 10:00am tests like CBC  conducted. At 1:00pm doctor said that WBC is 40000 and need to shift nearest city hyderabad's hospital. But on the way at 6:00pm she found died.
Q 1. What was the desease?
Q 2. Is this possible of deith duo to WBC 4OOOO?
Q 3. Any relation between WBC and blood cancer?
Q 4. How it is possible a healthy person die after two days of ill?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

1. It is difficult to comment on the diagnosis without knowing the relevant clinical details. It would be best to discuss this with the treating doctors.
2. Death does not occur due to elevated WBC count, the elevated counts are just an indication of an underlying disease process such as an infection/ sepsis, inflammation, cancer etc.
3. A hyperacute rise to 40,000 predominantly of neutrophils is more likely to be due to conditions such as sepsis than cancer (Assuming this was not the only WBC count that was done).
4. Though very unfortunate, conditions such as this can arise. Looking at the tests he/ she appears to have developed renal compromise as well and possible liver damage, which could have been a compounding factor.

Take care!

[Arqam]

    Different test reports shows following
    Neutrophils 82%
    Lymphocytes 14%
    Monocytes 0%
    Eosinophils 4%
    Basophils 0%

    Serum creatinine  1.52

    Alkaline phosphatase 348.62
    Bilirubin Uncojucated 0.51