Red blood cells are elevated in a child: causes and symptoms of erythrocytosis

Red blood cells - erythrocytes

Every person's blood contains so-called red cells or erythrocytes. They are produced by the bone marrow.

Under a microscope, they are visible in the form of anucleate cells; they contain proteins, fats and hemoglobin.

Red blood cells actively participate in the functional activity of the whole organism, but their main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues, and, on the return stroke, transport carbon dioxide.

In addition, they are assigned the following functions:

• protective;
• nutritious;
• ensuring acid-base balance;
• participation in oxygen metabolism;
• ensuring blood clotting.

Also due to them, the blood has the red color we are familiar with. Red blood cells live no more than 4 months, after which natural renewal occurs. This process takes place in the spleen; it is in this organ that old red blood cells die and new ones, reticulocytes, are synthesized. And then they move to the bone marrow for maturation.

It would seem that the more there are, the better, alas, this is not so. This pathology is erythrocytosis.

What are red blood cells

The functions of oxygen saturation and transport of nutrients in the body are performed by red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. The body uses the liver and spleen to destroy “old” cells. If the red blood cells in a child’s blood are elevated, this means that the number of red blood cells is beyond the medical norm. This indicator should indicate what the concentration of hemoglobin is at the moment along with the relative proportion of different cells.

Norm of red blood cells in children

Elevated red blood cells in a child’s blood are determined by establishing their number relative to the norm. The occurrence of a deviation may not be immediately reflected in the analysis picture, so the resulting indicator must be rechecked after some time. Exceeding the norm can be explained by a physiological reason, if we take into account the patient’s medical history. The standards are as follows:

How many platelets should there be in a blood test?

After the test, the doctor interprets the results, but every parent wants to know what is normal. The platelet count (plt) differs at different ages, so don’t be alarmed if your child’s platelets are slightly elevated. It should be remembered that in children under one month the indicator may deviate, because the circulatory system has not yet established its functioning; this is not a reason to panic. The following indicators are considered the norm:

• content from 100 to 420 thousand is normal for newborns;
• 150-350 thousand should be in children after 10 days to 1 year;
• 180-320 thousand for babies older than one year;
• 75-220 thousand is the norm for adolescence.

The platelet count in a child’s blood is considered normal if it is within the following limits:

• newborns - normal platelet level 100–420 units;
• 3 months and up to a year - platelets in the child’s blood are 150–390 units;
• after a year - 180–380 units;
• in adolescents (after 12 years) - 75–220 units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arLn-Z53ib0

As a rule, at 3 years (in some cases at 4 years), platelet counts in children begin to decrease and reach the adult norm (180–360 units). It should be noted that boys will have high platelet counts compared to girls. This is quite normal and is not a pathology. Anything greater than the given numbers indicates that the child’s platelets are elevated.

When platelets are elevated in a child, even an infant, this can lead to the formation of blood clots.

There are very rare cases when, before taking the test, the baby was very worried or showed excessive motor activity - running or jumping. Another possibility for excess platelets may be in the following situations: the child has recently undergone surgery (surgery); the child has had a sore throat or cold;

For the first time in the baby’s life, a blood test is taken while still in the maternity hospital, then when he reaches the age of 3 and 12 months. But if the baby is premature or there is a Rh conflict between him and his mother, in the presence of intrauterine infections and other pathologies, the analysis can be carried out even at 1 month. The doctor offers a clinical blood test if the baby is sick, according to indications. This type of analysis is used quite often, because thanks to it you can get as much data as possible.

According to existing rules, a clinical blood test should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. If it comes to infants who find it difficult to be hungry, then the analysis can be carried out a couple of hours after the end of the last meal of crumbs. Clinical analysis can show an increase or decrease in the level of blood cells.

If platelets are elevated in a child who is 3 months old (and normal values ​​at this age are 180-400*10 9 /l), then you should not immediately suspect any abnormalities, because the level of these cells can fluctuate depending on various reasons. You just need to consult a pediatrician.

If the platelet level is still elevated, the reasons may be the following:

• a certain inflammatory process is going through in the child’s body;
• the baby has anemia (there is not enough iron in the blood);
• there are viral or parasitic diseases - hepatitis, pneumonia, meningitis; leukocytes may increase in the blood.
• development of cancer.

To exclude or confirm a neoplasm in a baby, it is necessary to donate blood for all indicators.

First, let's find out what kind of cells these are - platelets. And these are the formed elements of blood. Some of the types. Honestly, these are the smallest inhabitants of the bloodstream, they are even called blood platelets - they are so small and flat. The plates have many functions, this is how the body works - even the tiniest cell has a lot of responsibilities and tasks. The main job of platelets is to gather in close, cozy companies, forming a blood clot.

If the baby’s platelet count fits into generally accepted norms, that’s good. However, if there is a significant deviation (more than 100 * 109 units per 1 liter of blood), the child may be diagnosed with thrombocytopenia (this is if the amount is below normal) or thrombocytosis (when there are too many blood platelets).

Thrombocytosis poses a much greater danger. If the analysis shows that the child has a high platelet count in the blood, this indicates the following:

• The blood is thicker than normal. This overloads the blood vessels and heart - it is more difficult for these organs to “pump” fluid throughout the body.
• The platelets are too close to each other. This is the danger of their involuntary combination into quite large blood clots, which can clog blood vessels and in some cases even stop the heart, clogging any heart valve or coronary vessel.
• Even the combination of blood platelets into small blood clots is fraught with blockage of microcapillaries. This provokes various edema, as well as infarctions in parenchymal organs, destroying their structure (liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys). Even the baby’s brain gets damaged (in advanced cases).

Why and for what reasons does the number of platelets in a child’s blood increase? There are several factors that precede an increase in blood platelets in the baby’s bloodstream:

• Hereditary or acquired pathologies of the blood system. These include erythremia, myeloid leukemia and thrombocythemia.
• Pathologies of infectious nature. Such diseases include meningitis of various etiologies, inflammatory processes, toxicoplasmosis, hepatitis, parasitic and fungal infections, encephalitis, and viral diseases.
• Stress and hormonal disorders. During the period of accelerated growth (up to 12 years), the body develops rapidly. Failures in the hormonal system affect the number of blood platelets, their formation and breakdown.

This video explains in detail what happens when the number of blood platelets in a child changes, almost all the causes of thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia are listed.

Blood is the most important fluid in our body. By the slightest changes in its composition, you can find out whether everything is fine with the child. One of the important elements of this fluid are platelets.

An increased content of blood platelets not only indicates the presence of another disease in the body, but in some cases it is also dangerous for the baby’s life. Thrombocytosis is just a symptom of an underlying disease or pathology, but if you do not treat it carefully and take action, serious complications are possible. That is why, at the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact specialists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYENONS6wiI

Blood test indicators are important for assessing the health of children, so their changes always alarm adults - both mothers and doctors. If parents see an increased level of platelets in their child’s blood in the results, they are always interested in whether this is dangerous for their daughter or son. To get timely help for your baby, you need to find out why platelets may be higher than normal and what to do if the level is elevated.

If bruises, nosebleeds, inflammatory diseases, or fatigue occur frequently in children, a blood test for platelets is prescribed. The role of blood cells of this type in the life of the body is difficult to overestimate. A significant change in cell concentration can indicate severe illness and even lead to death.

The level of platelet concentration is determined using a clinical blood test. In childhood, the sample is taken from the finger and vein, in newborns - from the heel. The analysis is carried out routinely once a year. If pathological symptoms are detected in a child, the frequency of testing increases.

The reasons for prescribing an analysis are:

• Bleeding gums;
• Frequent bruising at the slightest blow;
• Nosebleeds;
• Fast fatiguability;
• Pain in the limbs;
• Tumor growth;
• Infections of a viral, bacterial nature;
• Systemic pathologies.

Before taking the test, the child must be prepared to eliminate the risk of unreliable interpretation of the results.

The day before the test and immediately before the test, you should avoid physical and emotional stress, otherwise there will be an increase in the concentration of cells in the blood. A similar effect often occurs when a mother and baby are in a hurry to explore. Upon arrival at the laboratory, it is best to rest for about 15 minutes and calm down.

Some foods also affect platelet concentration: fish, cereals, tomatoes, beets - reduce it, and cabbage, apples, nuts - increase it. Tell the doctor if your child is taking any medications or undergoing physical therapy.

Red blood cells are a kind of “transport” for gas exchange between the respiratory system and the entire body. They carry oxygen necessary for the proper functioning of the body from lung cells to various organs. Also, red blood cells combine with carbon dioxide and remove it from the body.

This gas exchange is especially important for children due to their accelerated growth and development. A normal number of red blood cells in the blood is an indicator of good health.

A high level of red blood cells is called erythrocytosis. It can be caused by both physical processes in the child’s body and painful conditions. For some children, elevated red cell levels are normal. To establish an accurate diagnosis or refute it, a consultation with a pediatrician is necessary.

Erythrocytes in the blood are elevated in a child

A lack of red cells is observed in anemia, some inflammatory diseases, and an increase in red blood cells in a child’s blood can be interpreted in different ways: they take into account the general history and the predominance of certain foods in the diet . Minor erythrocytosis is sometimes caused by physical activity. Pathologies are spoken of when the level of red cells exceeds one.

What types are there and reasons

Erythrocytosis in smear

This disease has many factors that cause it and, depending on them, 3 types of erythrocytosis are distinguished: primary, secondary and false. The latter is also called relative. Let's look at them in more detail.

Primary. The cause is primary polycythemia, a tumor of the bone marrow. Its peculiarity is the formation of excess red blood cells, leukocytes and hemoglobin. The main symptom of erythrocytosis is an increase in the level of red cells of more than six tera/l.

Secondary. Caused by a lack of oxygen in tissues for the following reasons:

• pulmonary diseases;
• heart failure;
• hemoglobinopathy - hemoglobin has abnormalities in its structure, the disease is hereditary;
• intracardiac shunting - blood from the veins enters the arteries, bypassing the lungs;
• hypoventilation syndrome - when the airways are blocked, incomplete ventilation of the lungs occurs;
• with heavy smoking, tissues suffer from oxygen starvation;
• entry into rarefied air. This usually happens when you get into the mountains.

Polycystic kidney disease is the cause of secondary erythrocytosis

Secondary erythrocytosis can be caused by hormonal disorders. For example, an excess of the hormone erythropoietin leads to a significant increase in red blood cells. This can happen with the following ailments:

• renal and hepatic polycystic disease;
• tumors of internal organs of various etiologies;
• tumors of the ovaries and uterus in women;
• anemia of all types;
• cerebellar hemangioblastoma.

The third type of increase (false) can be observed in the following situations:

• extensive burns;
• dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea;
• when using diuretic drugs;
• under severe stress.

In the third type of erythrocytosis, the elevated level is usually removed by eliminating the cause.

Symptoms and signs of erythrocytosis

Skin coloration in polycythemia

It varies, it all depends on the reason for the increase. But doctors identify the main signs that are characteristic of all causes:

• weakness combined with headaches and dizziness;
• visual impairment;
• after water procedures, the skin may be very itchy;
• the face often turns red for no reason;
• nails begin to break;
• hair grows poorly and falls out;
• the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth are bright red;
• high pressure;
• the liver is enlarged.

Weakness, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, and chest pain are also noted. Weight loss may begin for no reason.

How to diagnose elevated readings

Laboratory tests are one of the stages in diagnosing erythrocytosis

Only a doctor should do this; trying to identify a particular disease in yourself and start treatment on your own is strictly not recommended.

First of all, laboratory tests of blood and urine are prescribed.

If the cause of the increase is disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, then an ultrasound is prescribed. The procedure will help determine the contours and boundaries of these organs and the quality of their blood supply. You can also use it to find out how the blood vessels are located in them.

The causes are oncological diseases of the brain tissue, in this case MRI and computed tomography are prescribed.

You should not think that the doctor prescribes diagnostic tests at random; before doing this, he conducts a thorough interview and examination of the patient. And only on the basis of the results obtained, he gives a referral for one or another examination.

Doctors also use x-rays, especially if the cause is inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Correction of erythrocytosis

Correction of erythrocytosis is a matter for a specialist!

It is carried out by several specialists - a therapist, an infectious disease specialist, a gastroenterologist, an ENT specialist, etc. When prescribing treatment, specialists take into account: the patient’s age, weight, tolerance of certain medications, stages and types of the disease, causes.

In case of infectious genesis, treatment begins with the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics. To make the effect of their use stronger, intravenous administration of drugs is used.

At the same time, medications are prescribed to strengthen the digestive tract and restore its natural microflora.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs simultaneously reduce pain and reduce the identified lesion. When the temperature rises, antipyretics are used.

The cause of the increase in red blood cells is liver disease, then hepatoprotectors are prescribed - they enhance liver regeneration.

Salt preparations are used to eliminate intoxication; they are administered intravenously. A drinking regime is also prescribed - the patient must drink at least one and a half liters of water daily, and this does not take into account other liquids. The water is clean, no soda or lemonade.

Drug correction of erythrocytosis

Antiplatelet agents are also administered subcutaneously to thin the blood.

In case of inflammation of the adrenal cortex and the associated decrease in hormone production, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. The patient is given injections of hormone-containing drugs.

When there is an increase in red blood cells due to oncology, the treatment process is led by an oncologist. Indeed, in terms of treatment, it is also necessary to take into account chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are usually prescribed to such patients. In some cases, the level returns to normal after surgery.

In combination with the main treatment, additional procedures are prescribed that enhance the effect - vitamin therapy and physiotherapy. The last one, if there are no contraindications.

Many patients turn to traditional medicine. Of course, over the centuries she has accumulated many recipes for curing this disease, but before using them, consultation with the attending physician is necessary.

What are the dangers of an elevated level of red blood cells and prevention?

The presence of erythrocytosis is a risk of thrombosis

An increase in red blood cells in the blood is primarily dangerous due to the appearance of blood clots.

Diet is used as a preventive measure. Products high in iron, vitamin D, etc. are removed from food. helping to increase the amount of hemoglobin and blood viscosity. The list includes:

• smoked meats;
• fatty foods;
• fresh pastries and white bread;
• potato;
• buckwheat;
• bananas, mangoes, pomegranates;
• White cabbage;
• nuts.

Also, use caution in eating decoctions of nettle, St. John's wort, and yarrow. Leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cabbage of all types) are not recommended. It is forbidden to eat chokeberry.

You should exclude foods rich in iron from your diet.

All vegetables and fruits are recommended for consumption, except those listed above. Sunflower seeds, seafood, including fresh sea fish.

It is necessary to adhere to the water regime - quench your thirst in time, especially in the heat, it is best to drink green tea and natural juices (without sugar).

The following drinks should be excluded from your diet:

• Tap water;
• Alcohol (although doctors recommend drinking a glass of red wine daily. Only a glass and only red wine);
• Carbonated and sweet drinks.

If all the specified conditions are met, everything usually returns to normal.

An increase in red cells in the blood can cause blood clots - these are blood clots in the veins and arteries.

Types of erythrocytosis

An increased content of red blood cells in a child’s blood can be relative or true . The first option means that the amount of liquid—plasma—is relatively small. This occurs due to dehydration, stress, in overweight individuals, as a result of other reasons that do not increase the actual number of red cells. The second option implies a high level of red blood cells, which is often combined with a high sedimentation rate. This is evidence of the presence of infections and dangerous diseases.

Symptoms of dehydration

The increase in the level of red blood cells and platelets, which are observed with dehydration, negatively affects the well-being of the individual. The children's body reacts especially acutely to these changes. Therefore, it is so important to diagnose this condition in a timely manner.

Main signs of dehydration:

• constant feeling of thirst, dry oral mucosa, pain in the throat;
• general weakness and malaise;
• sunken eyes with dark circles;
• unnatural skin color;

• decreased elasticity of the skin;
• body weight decreases;
• reduced fluid intake;
• sudden loss of consciousness is possible.

The presence of a number of symptoms directly depends on the degree of dehydration.

When severe dehydration occurs:

1. Severe tachycardia caused by blood thickening due to loss of plasma.
2. The amount of urine excreted decreases, since most of the water from the kidneys is not excreted in the urine, but begins to be absorbed back into the body, which contributes to poisoning.
3. Concentrated urine contains little water. It contains a large amount of urea and uric acid, which is why it turns dark yellow. There is an ammonia smell.
4. A decrease in the amount of circulating blood leads to a gradual decrease in blood pressure. Possible disturbance of consciousness.
5. Muscle spasms are observed.

Dehydration of the body must be treated, since during it there is intoxication of the body.

Symptoms

High relative erythrocytosis does not manifest itself with any characteristic signs; it goes away as the state of the body and environmental conditions change. True is not considered an independent disease, so the symptom complex will be given by those diseases that cause an increase in the number of red cells. Among them may be :

• pain in the extremities – fingers and toes often suffer;
• headaches, typical in the evening and at night;
• urination disorders, discomfort in the back - with kidney disease;
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing - in diseases of the respiratory tract, in infants it is sometimes associated with passive smoking;
• hyperemia or cyanosis of the skin - associated with manifestations of heart defects;
• sudden weight loss and weakness make one suspect cancer and require especially close attention from pediatricians and a set of tests.

Symptoms

The clinical picture, if platelets are slightly elevated, may be completely absent or occur in a latent form. As a rule, in such cases, the disorder is diagnosed accidentally - during diagnosis in relation to other complaints or during a routine examination.

It should be understood that the general clinical picture will be supplemented by the symptoms of the underlying disease, so often the signs are mixed, nonspecific, which means it is impossible to carry out treatment on your own.

An increased platelet count in the blood can be characterized by the following clinical picture:

• the child is lethargic, often cries, is capricious, sleeps poorly;
• petechiae may appear on the skin and mucous membranes - tiny dots on the surface that are formed due to hemorrhages;
• formation of hematomas on the child’s skin for no apparent reason;
• increased sensitivity of the skin to physical impact - bruises can form even from touching;
• bleeding from the nose and gums.

Older children may additionally complain of the following:

• tingling in the fingertips, feeling of cold;
• skin itching;
• dizziness, headache;
• problems with urination, pain in the lower abdomen.

In a child, if platelets are elevated, there may be blood in the urine and stool, sometimes there are convulsions, and there is lethargy. The clinical picture does not always indicate that these are elevated platelets in the blood, so if a clinic is available, you should contact a pediatrician.

Erythrocytosis most often occurs asymptomatically due to physiological reasons for its occurrence.

In the presence of various serious diseases, an increase in the concentration of red cells has obvious symptoms:

1. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Change in skin color. It can be painted in: red; Blue colour; crimson color. Skin staining can be localized or localized. The mucous membranes with erythrocytosis also have an abnormal color.
3. Constant headaches due to poor blood circulation. When the blood cell count is high, the viscosity of the blood increases.
4. Pain in the limbs. In children, this symptom often manifests itself as pain in the fingers and toes due to a lack of oxygen in the tissues.
5. Pain in the spleen due to its enlargement. This organ is responsible for processing blood cells. With a high concentration of red blood cells, it is subject to heavy loads, which leads to a change in its size.
6. Constant high blood pressure. This symptom is characteristic of renal abnormalities.
7. Deterioration of vision as a result of high blood pressure.
8. Frequent and sudden dizziness.
9. The child constantly feels tired and sleepy.

Any of the listed symptoms does not indicate a specific disease, so a thorough examination of the entire clinical picture by a pediatrician and collection of additional information is required.

Causes

If a single test result shows that the child’s red blood cells are slightly elevated, you need to understand the factors that provoked this condition. Among the reasons there are completely harmless ones, indicating an increased number of blood cells as a variant of the norm. The general idea of ​​erythrocytosis is that more red cells are needed to transport oxygen. A high level of hemoglobin in itself is not a disease, but a reason to be wary. Among the causes of elevated red blood cells, doctors name:

• Playing sports, especially swimming.
• Living in mountainous areas where there is little oxygen - hemoglobin increases to more effectively supply the brain.
• Recent infection.
• Erythrocytosis often occurs in diseases of the kidneys, liver, and respiratory tract.
• Sometimes it indicates heart defects, oncological processes of the liver, kidneys, and spinal cord.

Why is erythrocytosis dangerous?

A marked excess of the hemoglobin norm is dangerous for the child’s body. Pain in muscles and limbs often develops due to increased load on small capillaries. Headaches and increased blood pressure may occur. Related problems - dehydration, lack of vitamins, have a negative impact on the baby's health . In children, the spleen becomes enlarged due to increased stress on it. The skin acquires a pronounced red tint.

Dehydration can be dangerous

Scientists have proven that loss of more than 20% of fluid during dehydration leads to death. When dehydrated, the blood begins to thicken and become viscous. Significant dehydration leads to disruption of water and salt balance and dysfunction of all organs and systems of the human body.

The most common reasons for dehydration are:

• Food poisoning and various infections, viruses are the main cause of dehydration. As a rule, these conditions are accompanied by fever, diarrhea and vomiting. If the body does not receive enough fluid at this moment, then intoxication occurs. Intoxication contributes to the poisoning of the body by its own decay products, which leads to a worsening of the patient’s condition. In severe cases of the disease, a person can lose more than ten liters of fluid (with cholera). Children are less protected from external factors; prolonged fever is extremely dangerous for them.

• Prolonged exposure to the sun promotes increased sweating, and if you do not replenish lost fluid in a timely manner, poor health will not allow you to carry out your usual activities for some time. Intense physical activity at elevated temperatures also leads to dehydration.
• Extensive burns affect fluid levels in the body. From the damaged surface of the body there is a loss of the liquid component of the blood and electrolytes (chlorine, sodium, calcium, potassium). With significant burns, a loss of 1 to 3 liters of fluid per day is possible.

High fever, frequent diarrhea, and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration. The children's body is less adapted to aggressive environmental factors; therefore, dehydration in children occurs faster.

What to do if the value is elevated

If a child’s red blood cells are elevated, but this was shown by a single analysis , there is no reason to panic, but the child’s lifestyle, eating style, and fluid intake should be reconsidered . It is necessary to conduct additional research to ensure the timely detection of serious pathologies. If nothing is found, take vitamins, increase the amount of water, without trying to replace it with sugary drinks. It is important to eat a healthy diet without excess red meat.

Treatment

If a person does not drink enough water, dehydration occurs. Lack of water is also observed with vomiting, heat stroke, elevated body temperature, diarrhea, taking diuretics, and diabetes.

If you have one of the above conditions, then it is necessary to replenish the electrolyte balance of the body by providing the body with moderate physical activity.

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness:

1. Until dehydration is corrected, you should eat a light diet and eat foods that contain sodium and potassium. Vegetable broths are ideal. Fluid intake (frozen and regular juices, soups, broths, water with ice) should be at least 2 liters daily. Drinking alcohol, tea, and drinks containing caffeine is unacceptable.
2. In case of dehydration, the patient should be placed horizontally, air access should be provided and water should be given to drink.
3. If you cannot cope with dehydration, then you should go to the hospital. After taking the tests, you can quickly replenish your water balance by administering electrolytes intravenously.

For the proper formation of red blood cells, it is necessary to systematically take a complex of vitamins and microelements. You should also have your blood tested regularly to identify problems early.