Why are hemoglobin, RBC, and WBC levels falling fast?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband's hemoglobin is 3.7 g/dL, but the hemoglobin level was 5 g/dL when we checked it two days back. His RBC and WBC are also going down. What can be the reason?

Please help.

Thank you for your guidance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your husband's hemoglobin and WBC count are going down very fast; it is not normal. For such low hemoglobin levels, a blood transfusion is needed immediately.

A peripheral smear examination should be performed to look for schistocytes, such as fragmented RBCs, and a normoblast count. Reticulocyte count, serum LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), and serum bilirubin, among other tests, need to be checked. These reports will help rule out hemolytic anemia, which causes hemolysis, leading to a rapid decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Hypersplenism and blood septicemia (blood infection) can suppress the bone marrow, which can also present like this. A blood DCT (direct Coombs test) must be performed to detect autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

For hemoglobinopathy-induced low hemoglobin levels, folic acid and hydroxyurea are administered.

Therefore, consult a nearby physician as soon as possible to identify the cause; clinical and physical examinations are necessary.

I hope the information helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.