Blood count, interpretation
January 31, 2011 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
How would you interpret the following blood test results from a 50-year-old man with symptoms of gait disturbances and hand tingling - possible diagnosis - pernicious anemia?, possible therapies and/or further investigations?
Best regards
White blood cells: 3.2 Gpt/l
Hemoglobin: 8.3 mmol/l
Hematocrit: 0.40 l/l
Platelets: 224 Gpt/l
MTV: 11.2 fl
Erythrocytes: 3.25 Tpt/l
MCV: 122 fl
Erythrocytes: 8.3 mmol/l
MCH: 2.55 fmol
MCHC: 21.0 mmol/l
EVB: 12.7%
Glucose Serum: 4.88 mmol/l
Triglycerides: 0.46 mmol/l
Cholesterol: 3.65 mmol/l
HDL Cholesterol: 0.92 mmol/l
LDL Cholesterol: 2.52 mmol/l
Borrelia burgdorferi IgK-AK: 4 U/ml
Borrelia burgdorferi IgM-AK:
Dear Inquirer!
The elevated MCV (normal up to 100) is consistent with pernicious anemia. Anemia is also present when stating 8.3 Hemoglobin, with the unit being g/dl.
Sugar, lipid levels, cholesterol, and serology for Borrelia are normal or negative.
In case of suspicion of pernicious anemia, the following tests are recommended:
1. Gastroscopy with biopsy to detect mucosal changes. (Histologically: atrophic gastritis)
2. Determination of Vitamin B12 status
Treatment consists of parenteral (i.v.) or, if possible, oral administration of Vitamin B12. The normalization of MCV confirms the therapy ex juvantibus.
Gait disturbances and tingling may result from this, but there could be many other possible causes. A primary care or neurological examination is recommended.
Best regards
Dr. R. Berg
Best regards
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