What causes high IG count and low RBC count?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 58-year-old male with a height of 6.3 feet and a weight of 315 lbs. I had a CBC test done this week. The RBC, HGB, and HCT results were below average. There was an IG, and it was 0.05, and the reference range is 0.00 to 0.003. The IG % was 0.90, and the reference range is 0.00 to 1.00.

This is on the upper end of normal. All other CBC results were normal, and the WBC count was 5.8. The RBC count was 4.44, and the reference range is 4.5 to 5.7. The hemoglobin was 13.3, and the reference range is 13.9 to 17.1. Finally, the Hematocrit was 40.6, and the reference range is 40.9 to 49.7.

I have noticed a lot of fatigue; however, I only get four to five hours of sleep daily. My concern with the CBC count is that I might have leukemia because of the low RBC count and high IG count. The doctor wants to repeat the test in a few weeks. He stated the low red counts might be due to some hemorrhoids that I have, and sometimes I have excessive bleeding from these. He stated the high IG number is usually related to an infection.

I asked him if he thought this could be leukemia, and he said no. He stated that my WBC count would normally be higher than normal for leukemia to be present. I have researched this on the internet, and as you know, there are many different opinions. He did tell me if the count does not return to standard, he would refer me to the GI doctor.

I have a colonoscopy every five years, and each time they find polyps, but none have been cancerous. My last one was three years back. The current medication I am taking is Gabapentin, Xanax, Glimepiride, and Lisinopril for blood pressure.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sorry for the delayed response. Following is my opinion on your asked question. The low hemoglobin and hematocrit were due to mild anemia. It could be due to any internal or intestinal bleeding or due to piles. RBC (red blood cell) count can come low due to low hemoglobin levels. So hemoglobin and RBC count are related to each other, and low values are due to anemia induced mostly by bleeding.

But your total WBC (white blood cell) count is normal, and no premature cells are mentioned in the differential count. So it does not seem to be leukemia. So you need not worry about leukemia. You need to consult a gastroenterologist for repeated colonoscopies to check for polyps and for the management of piles. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if you have a more specific question in mind.

Best regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern and questions arising in your mind. In leukemia, the total WBC count usually goes above 50000, at least. The second point in leukemia is that premature cells mean IG immature granulocytes go very high, like more than 30% at least. Your IG value is cell counter derived, so it shows a slightly high value. But it does not make sense to think about leukemia. It is not much elevated. It is within range.

Your total WBC count is 5600, which is in a relatively normal range. So I do not think it is leukemia or the beginning of leukemia. Your polyp was noncancerous, so the chance of colon cancer seems less. But the possibility of cancer development depends upon histopathological types of the polyp, duration of the polyp, genetic factors, etc. You can attach histopathological reports of that polyp, if available, to give more comments. Piles can cause bleeding, and so RBC can go down due to that; it is not due to cancer. I hope I have solved your concern. You can ask further if you have more questions in your mind.

Best regards.