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Neutrophils (NEUTs) are the most abundant group of white blood cells in the immune system. They constitute about 60-70 percent. all leukocytes. The task of neutrophils is to protect the body against infections and diseases (they provide so-called cellular immunity). Both their low blood level and excess can indicate many serious diseases. Find out what the norms for neutrophils are and what their elevated or too low blood levels mean.

What are neutrophils?

Neutrophils(NEUT), orNeutrophils,are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that is part of the immune system. Neutrophils protect the body against pathogenic bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that they absorb and then digest inside the cell.

Their characteristic feature isquick reactionto the presence of these pathogens in the body, which is why they are so important for itsimmunity . Rapid reaction is possible thanks to the presence of appropriate receptors on the cell surface and the ability of neutrophils to produce free radicals and a whole range of proteins with bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties.

Neutrophils: blood count

The neutrophil test is a standard blood test (complete blood count). They are performed when many diseases are suspected. A neutrophil test is done by taking blood from a vein and sending it to a laboratory. The patient should come for blood sampling on an empty stomach.

Neutrophils: norm

The neutrophil count is calculated from the total amount of leukocytes and the amount of granulocytes.The norm for neutrophils is: 1.5-8 thousand / µl.

Neutrophils: Below Normal

Neutropenia , i.e.too low level of neutrophils(less than 1500 / µl) in the blood, may indicate diseases such as:

  • leukemia
  • pernicious and aplastic anemia
  • severe bacterial or viral infection (white blood cells are used up faster than they can be produced);
  • infectious liver disease
  • hyperthyroidism
  • acromegaly (excess growth hormone secretion)
  • autoimmune diseases that destroy white blood cells or cells in the bone marrow (the body makes proteins that are antibodiesagainst neutrophils), e.g. rheumatoid arthritis
  • hypersplenism, or large spleen syndrome
  • Felty's band
  • Chediak-Higashi team
  • vitamin B12 and folate deficiency

Neutrophils: low level

Decreased neutrophil counts can also be the result of:

  • taking medications (some antibiotics or diuretics, steroid therapy and chemotherapy)
  • radiotherapy
  • heavy metal poisoning

People on dialysis can also experience a decrease in these types of white blood cells.

If any of the above diseases will lead to the loss of the ability to produce neutrophils by the bone marrow, the diagnosis isagranulocytosis , i.e. the complete absence of neutrophils in the blood.

Then the susceptibility to infections increases drastically and the infection spreads at a rapid pace. In such situations, hospitalization is often necessary.

Untreated neutropeniacan lead to the development ofneutropenic sepsis , which is a direct medical emergency. Its symptoms include recurring fever and typical symptoms of infection.

Neutrophils: Above Normal

Neutrophilia , i.e.high levels of neutrophils(over 8000 cells / µl) in the blood, may be evidence of:

  • leukemia
  • hemolytic anemia
  • cancer
  • inflammation in the body or acute infection
  • general and local tissue necrosis, e.g. heart attack
  • acute hemorrhage
  • gout
  • uremia (with renal failure)
  • acute hemolysis
  • myeloproliferative syndromes (this is a group of diseases characterized by the overproduction of one or more blood morphotic components)
  • overactive adrenal cortex
  • Cushing's band
  • autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Excessive production of neutrophils can also occur after drug or chemical poisoning, as well as after long-term use of certain medications.

Neutrophilia can also appear in stressful states (pain, fear, emotions, physical exertion or an epileptic seizure), as well as after heavy meals.

Pregnant neutrophils

In many pregnant women, the levels of neutrophils are abnormal and can be a cause for concern. Usually this is related to the physiological increase in NEUT levels in pregnant women, but sometimes the causes of lowered and elevated levels are more complex.

Neutrophils: low level

Uof women expecting a baby too low level of neutrophils may suggest, among others:

  • having a severe bacterial infection,
  • fungal infection,
  • vitamin B12 deficiency,
  • folic acid deficiency - essential in pregnant women.

Elevated neutrophils in pregnancy

In turn, an increased level of neutrophils in pregnancy does not necessarily indicate a disease. Elevated neutrophil counts are natural in the third trimester of pregnancy and are due to physiological changes in the pregnant woman's body.

Please note that the above-mentioned standards are not constant values ​​and are only indicative. These standards depend, inter alia, on the gender, age of the patient, and the assay method used in the laboratory. Therefore, the interpretation of test results always rests with the doctor.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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