What does it mean if blood routine test shows slightly elevated white blood cells and platelets?

May 30, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
Slightly elevated white blood cell and platelet counts in a routine blood test may result from non-pathological factors such as intense physical exercise, overeating, or emotional stress. They could also be caused by pathological conditions including inflammatory responses or chronic myeloid leukemia. Other possible causes include rheumatic heart disease, essential thrombocythemia, and glomerulonephritis.

Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts during a routine blood test may result from non-pathological factors such as intense physical exercise, overeating, or emotional stress. They may also be caused by pathological conditions such as inflammatory responses or chronic myeloid leukemia. Treatment may involve appropriate bed rest, medication, and other interventions. The details are as follows:

1. Non-pathological factors

If elevated levels of white blood cells and platelets are due to prolonged intense exercise, overeating, or emotional stress, specific medical treatment is generally not required. Instead, correcting these unhealthy habits is recommended.

2. Pathological factors

1) Inflammatory response

Infections may occur due to low immunity, bacterial, or viral factors. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever, sweating, and fatigue. Treatment may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules or roxithromycin capsules.

2) Chronic myeloid leukemia

Destruction of malignant tumor cells can lead to the release of large amounts of nucleic acids, which in turn stimulate increased levels of white blood cells and platelets. Patients may present with symptoms including weight loss and enlarged spleen. Medications such as hydroxyurea tablets or nilotinib capsules, taken under medical supervision, can help inhibit tumor cell proliferation and slow disease progression. In severe cases, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered.

Besides the above causes, other conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, essential thrombocythemia, and glomerulonephritis may also contribute. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital.