Neutrophil count has dropped. Could this be a relapse of leukemia?

Question

Hi doctor,

My husband had AML nine years ago and was discharged in remission. He is now on a once-a-year review with the oncologist. Yesterday, he went for his checkup and discovered that the neutrophils have dropped. Below please find his readings:

WBC 4.07, RBC 4.96, hemoglobin 15.0, platelets 188 and neutrophils 1.35. The reference range for neutrophils is at 1.56. He will need to go back in one month's time for a retake of the blood test. He is so far doing fine with no fever, sore throat, ulcer apart from some backache. We are worried as there could be a relapse of leukemia. Can you assist to enlighten me? Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your total WBC (white blood cell) count is within the limit, and only neutrophils dropped down slightly. There are many causes for a drop in neutrophil count and infection, like certain viral infections, which can sometimes lead to bone marrow suppression of the neutrophil series.

If it is a relapsing case of leukemia, then a peripheral smear might show an excessive amount of abnormal premature cells.

But anyway, as suggested by your oncologist, now you have to just repeat your CBC (complete blood count) with peripheral smear examination in a few days, and then we will discuss further.

Meanwhile, take a healthy diet and fruits.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.