What could cause elevated WBC, ESR, and CRP levels?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have been having routine blood work for the last four years due to elevated WBC (white blood cell) with the neutrophils being high. My WBC varies from 11 to 16 but the percentage makeup seems about right.
My CRP (C-reactive protein) levels have been high for 4 years around the 30 to 35 mark and my ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is also high around 40-50. My doctor seems a little concerned but I am worried about cancer. But he says that if it was cancer somewhere, the values would be increasing where mine are fairly stable.
Please give me some advice on possible reasons for the elevated levels over a long time. I am morbidly obese and live a very sedentary lifestyle which I am in the process of changing. He believes my high CRP and ESR may be due to being overweight but I am not convinced. Please help me.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and elevated CRP (C-reactive protein) can be from inflammation as well. Any non-specific inflammation can raise WBC (white blood cell) count, ESR, and CRP as well.High neutrophils and high total count causes are as follows:
1. Acute infection
2. Acute blood loss
3. Myeloproliferative
4. Uremia, gout, acidosis5. Physiological fever, exercise, etc.
I also do not think this elevated value could only be from obesity. But if you have obesity, which means high cholesterol associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis then also ESR can be raised.I suggest you the following investigations:
1. Liver, Spleen, lymph node palpation.
2. Peripheral smear examination.
3. USG (ultrasound) abdomen.
4. Blood culture if needed.
There will be abnormal cells in the peripheral smear in case of blood cancer. Specific treatment should be instituted only after finding the exact cause.
Please share the investigation reports if you have any more doubts.
Consult your physician for further examination.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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