How to calculate the absolute number of neutrophils. If neutrophils are low

Neutrophils are blood cells related to leukocytes and make up the majority of them. They received their name due to the fact that with the Romanovsky cytological staining method they intensively absorb both the main dye and the acidic dye. They have a granular structure, therefore they belong to the group of granulocytes along with basophils and eosinophils. Neutrophils are fine granules in the form of dust, which is colored pinkish-purple.

Stages of maturation

Neutrophils are formed in the bone marrow and go through six stages of maturation:

• myeloblasts;
• promyelocytes;
• myelocytes;
• metamyelocytes, or young neutrophils;
• stab;
• segmental nuclear.

Only segmented cells are mature, in which the nucleus is divided into lobes. The remaining neutrophils are considered immature, or young. The nucleus of mature cells usually has three to five segments, which are connected by thin bridges. The cytoplasm contains many glycogen granules and small specific granules, not large number azurophilic granules and very few organelles.

Norm

The norm of neutrophils in the blood does not depend on gender, but differs in an adult and a child. In blood tests they are designated NEU. During laboratory testing, the absolute number and relative content are calculated. Normally, the blood should contain mainly mature species and a small number of band species.

The absolute content (abs) normally looks like this:

• stab - from 0.04 to 0.3X10⁹/liter of blood;
• segmental nuclear – from 2 to 5.5X10⁹/liter of blood.

The relative level (percentage of all white cells) is as follows:

• stab - from 1 to 6%;
• segmented - from 47 to 72%.

Reasons for deviations from the norm

If the number of mature neutrophils in the blood decreases and the number of band neutrophils increases, this indicates that an infection has entered the body. The fact is that segmented cells destroy foreign microorganisms and die, the bone marrow begins to produce more neutrophils, which do not have time to mature and enter the blood immature. This is visible in the leukocyte formula, which is calculated during a blood test.

Neutrophils, from young to mature, appear in the leukogram from left to right. Thus, with an increase in the level of band cells in the leukocyte formula, a shift to the left is observed. Based on the content of immature cells, the intensity is judged pathological process. The more immature forms, the more active the pathogenic agents. A shift to the left is observed during inflammatory and infectious processes, intoxication, malignant tumors.

If the number of segmented granulocytes in the blood increases, a nuclear shift to the right occurs. In this case, neutrophils with hypersegmented nuclei are found in the blood, that is, the nucleus consists of more than 5 lobes. The shift to the right is observed as in healthy people, this may be a sign of some diseases, such as Addison-Birmer anemia, polycythemia, radiation sickness. A shift to the right during inflammation and infection is a favorable sign.

If a blood test shows qualitative changes in neutrophils, such as hypersegmentation of nuclei or toxic granulation, we may be talking about an intense inflammatory process in the body. .

Functions of neutrophils

Neutrophils, like other leukocytes, are protectors of the body. They are mainly responsible for killing bacteria. Neutrophils have a well-developed movement apparatus, thanks to which they are able to quickly migrate to the site of inflammation or infection. The choice of direction of movement is explained by the fact that the damaged tissues begin to produce chemotactic and vasoactive factors, which ensure the influx of granulocytes to the site of the reaction. The functions of neutrophils are determined by their ability to move.

Neutrophil granulocytes actively move to the site of inflammation, releasing substances and enzymes that have a strong bactericidal effect. These white blood cells usually react to bacteria.

Their main purpose is phagocytosis, or intracellular digestion of harmful microorganisms. This process consists of several stages:

• recognition of a harmful agent;
• movement towards it;
• adhesion of a foreign element to the phagocyte and gradual immersion;
• absorption of an object by a phagocyte;
• digestion by enzymes;
• digestion.

Phagocytosis is complete when the object is completely dissolved and the remains are expelled from the cell. The process does not complete if harmful elements multiply and destroy the phagocyte.

Neutrophils are classified as microphages because they capture small particles. Segmented forms digest up to 30 microorganisms, rod forms - up to 15. Their phagocytic activity is enhanced by antibodies and vitamins. Acetylcholine, on the contrary, slows down.

The structure of neutrophils

Along with phagocytosis, neutrophils perform following functions:

• digestion inside the cell;
• cytotoxic effect;
• degranulation during enzyme release;
• participation in blood clotting;
• participation in fibrinolysis;
• influence on thermoregulation.

Cytotoxic activity involves damaging the target cell at a distance. This action is carried out with the participation of a factor produced by T-lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Neutrophils are the most numerous group of leukocytes. They are the first to respond to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body. Protection against bacterial infections - their main task, although they can take part in other important processes: in the formation inflammatory reaction, providing cellular nonspecific and specific immunity. Blood test and calculation leukocyte formula makes it possible to suspect the development of the disease, assess the stage and degree of its severity. To do this, it is necessary to consider their relative level, abs. quantity, qualitative changes in cells.

Neutrophils have the largest number of all leukocytes. Their function is difficult and responsible - they destroy pathogenic bacteria in human tissues and blood, for which they pay with their “life”. The level of neutrophils in the blood of children, women and men can be increased or decreased and is common. A change in the number of such cells may indicate an ongoing disease in the body. Also of great importance is the ratio of bodies of different “ages” (stages of development) within the group of neutrophils. Let's look at their classification.

Classification

A total of 6 stages of neutrophil development are known. But only cells four stages may be in a person’s blood – we’ll talk about them. The sequence of development stages is as follows:

1. Myeloblasts;
2. Promyelocytes;
3. Myelocytes;
4. Metamyelocytes;
5. Band;
6. Segmented neutrophils.

Not all of these cells are in the blood at the same time in equal proportions, so changing their ratio serves important criterion diagnosis of diseases, and the phenomenon itself is called in medicine a shift in the leukocyte formula.

The mechanism of action of neutrophils

When pathogenic agents enter the blood or tissue, segmented cells of neutrophils begin to absorb them and decompose them. These processes are called phagocytosis and lysis, respectively. After the pathogen is destroyed, the cell itself dies. If all mature segmented bodies have died, and the pathogenic organism has not yet been defeated, then band neutrophils enter the fight. And if their number is not enough to win, metamyelocytes come to the rescue, followed by myelocytes. The first four groups of cells at in good condition health indicators are absent in the blood and appear in test results only in the case of a serious illness.

Leukocyte formula shift

It is used to control the neutrophil ratio by age groups(stages of development). If segmented or band bodies are below normal, then they speak of a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left. If the content of young cells (myelocytes and metamyelocytes) is lower, then there is a shift in the leukocyte blood count to the right.

Normal level

Normally, in men and women, the level of white cells of the neutrophil group does not differ significantly. The number of such bodies differs only depending on the age of the person (in children and adults their number will differ).

For diagnosis, band and segmented neutrophils are counted separately. The indicator is expressed as a percentage.

Band neutrophils

In adult women, the neutrophil rate ranges from 1 to 4 percent. The same indicators are typical for men. In children of different ages, the percentage of rod cells falls within the following boundaries:

Segmented neutrophils

Borders normal percentage segmented cells in adult men and women - from 40 to 60.

Normal segmental indicators in children:

In both groups of cells, upon reaching the age of 6 years, the indicators do not change and are equal to those in adult men and women.

Increased neutrophil levels

A situation in which neutrophils are higher than normal is called neutrophilia or neutrophilia. The reasons for this condition may be the following:

• Bacterial infection with signs of suppuration and inflammation (with a localized focus - appendicitis, abscess, pneumonia, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, damage to the ENT organs, acute pyelonephritis, salpingitis and others; with extensive infection - sepsis, cholera, scarlet fever or peritonitis);
• Necrotic phenomena - stroke, burns, heart attack;
• Alcohol or lead intoxication (the toxin can be any that affects the bone marrow);
• Intoxication by bacterial products even in the absence of living bacteria (botulism toxins in canned products);
• A cancerous tumor with the beginning of tissue decomposition.

It is known that for some time after the illness the level of neutrophils may remain within slightly elevated limits. This phenomenon can also occur with untreated disease.

Degrees of neutrophilia

Moderate neutrophilia is diagnosed when the number of such cells is up to 10 billion.
Severe neutrophilia is diagnosed when the number of cells is from 10 to 20 billion.
When the number of neutrophils is from 20 to 60 billion, they speak of severe neutrophilosis.

Based on the degree of neutrophilia, the severity of the current disease and the stage of its development (if possible) are determined. The higher the neutrophils and the more advanced the neutrophilosis, the more extensive the damage to the body.

Neutrophilia as a normal variant

Pregnant women may experience moderate neutrophilia (up to 10 billion per liter of blood). Also, an increase in level can be observed under certain external influences:

• Rich hearty breakfast;
• Psychological stress;

Indicators below normal values

If neutrophils are below normal values, then they speak of neutropenia. The most common causes of this condition are:

• Very large quantity pathogenic organisms or the products of their vital activity - the cells died in the fight against them;
• Depletion of the hematopoietic system and the inability to produce a normal number of cells;
• Destruction of cells due to blood disease.

In terms of diseases in which the number of neutrophils is below normal, the list looks like this:

• Serious extensive bacterial lesions (paratyphoid fever, typhus, brucellosis, tularemia);
• Viral lesions in which neutrophils are below normal with a simultaneous increase in the number of other leukocytes - lymphocytes and monocytes (rubella, hepatitis, influenza, measles);
• Reaction to application medicines(painkillers, immunosuppressants, taking interferon is a common cause of a situation where neutrophils are below normal);
• Radiation exposure;
• Conducting radiation treatment;
• Chemotherapy;
• Blood leukemia;
• Anemia;
• Flaw folic acid or vitamin B12.

Degrees of neutropenia

As in the case of neutrophilia, the situation in which the number of neutrophils is below normal has its own degrees of severity:

1. Mild neutropenia occurs at cell counts between 1 and 1.5 billion;
2. Moderate neutropenia is diagnosed when the number of bodies is from 0.5 to 1 billion;
3. A severe form is observed when the number of cells decreases below 0.5 billion and until they are completely absent from the blood.

Particular situations of neutropenia

Sometimes neutropenia can be observed even with general normal health and the absence of bacterial or viral diseases. There are three types:

1. Benign neutropenia;
2. Cyclic neutropenia;
3. Kostman's neutropenia.

Benign neutropenia

In some cases, a decrease in neutrophil levels can be observed in a quarter of the population. This situation applies to physiological feature and with all other normal blood counts and other tests does not carry negative phenomena for health. When deciphering other indicators, it is necessary to take this feature into account.

Cyclic neutropenia

Among a small number of people, there is a pathology in which, after certain periods of time, the number of neutrophils drops almost to their complete disappearance (this situation is observed within one or several days and itself normalizes subsequently). The frequency of this phenomenon can vary - from one or two weeks to several months.

Neutropenia Kostman

This phenomenon is genetic disorder, as a result of which neutrophils are not produced at all by the bone marrow. Kostman's neutropenia is hereditary. Due to the lack of protection from bacterial agents, such a person begins to get sick often: ulcers, pneumonia, other diseases bacterial nature. Children with this disorder often die in the first year of life. Thanks to the subsequent adaptation of the child’s body itself, the number of monocytes and eosinophils increases in surviving children, due to which protective functions a child is practically no different from a completely healthy person.

Elimination of deviations from the norm

If an increase or decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood, or a change in their percentage is detected, then it is necessary to urgently take measures to normalize this indicator. There is no cure specifically for neutropenia or neutrophilia. The number of such cells can only be influenced indirectly - by identifying and treating the real reason such a phenomenon, that is specific disease, to combat which the body excessively consumes neutrophils.

If the cause of the shift in the leukocyte formula was the use of medicines, then they must be canceled and replaced with others. If the reason lies in an imbalance in the intake or absorption of nutrients, then it is necessary to normalize their intake as soon as possible: adhere to a special diet, take additional vitamin or mineral complexes.

The site team reminds that the reason for changes in the number of neutrophils and their ratio, as well as the need additional diagnostics Only a doctor can competently determine.

The composition of human blood changes depending on exposure external reasons or changes in the functioning of organs or systems of the body. A clinical blood test is an informative way to diagnose a large number of diseases.

Blood is a unique biological fluid. One of the main functions is protective, which implies protection from harmful agents of various natures, performed by white blood cells. These are blood cells - leukocytes, which prevent the penetration and spread of infection into human body. There are several types of them in the body, one of them is neutrophils. The results allow you to find out how many such cells a person has laboratory research.

What does the absolute and relative number of neutrophils mean?

The absolute number of neutrophils is the number, or number, of cells of this type found in human blood. They are counted using special equipment in clinical laboratories. medical institutions when preparing data for a detailed blood test prescribed by a doctor. Neutrophils recorded on a form using an absolute number make it possible to more accurately correlate their number with the norm, which allows doctors, when carrying out diagnostic procedures, to highly reliably assess the patient’s health status and make a diagnosis.

Neutrophils can be written as a relative value. The value of this number is a percentage. The result of the analysis indicates the percentage of leukocytes different types. Their total value is 100%.

If the relative result in such a calculation is in doubt, their absolute value in the blood is calculated using a special formula.

The number of neutrophils can be determined after a blood test

Formula used for calculation

Universal calculating programs and traditional mathematical methods help to calculate the number of neutrophils. The norms for the content of leukocytes and indicators for neutrophils in absolute values ​​in the blood are calculated using the formula. The analysis form indicates the indicator of all types of leukocytes, recorded in absolute values. Next, the laboratory assistant describes the percentage of basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes identified by clinical studies.

To calculate neutrophils (band and segmented) in absolute numbers, you need to enter the total number into the proportion, then use mathematical rules and use the formula to make the calculation. For example: 8.1 G/l was detected in the blood of leukocytes, this figure is the sum of all subtypes of cells, that is, 100%. Neutrophil percentage – 22%.

We get the elementary proportion:

• 8,1 = 100%:
• X = 22%.

• X = (8.1*22):100;
• X = 1.78 G/l.

It is accepted that the absolute value of leukocytes is measured as the number of cells per milliliter of blood. Therefore, the X value needs to be multiplied by 1000, we calculate the value, then, using rounding, we get the result - 1800 cells/μL. The formula allows you to calculate the level of neutrophils. Determines deviations from the norm and allows doctors to navigate the choice of appropriate treatment.

Modern laboratory equipment allows obtaining reliable clinical blood tests. For example: the finished result, which is printed by the automatic analyzer, contains indicators of neutrophils in the blood in both relative and absolute values. This is convenient, the doctor sees and compares the indicators, and does not have to waste time on additional calculations. The machine produces accurate numbers that are protected from obtaining a distorted result calculated by an inattentive specialist.

Special computer programs have been created for doctors to calculate indicators. They are based on the considered formula. As a result of processing the entered indicators, you can find out the necessary parameters, receive recommendations for prescribing and adjusting treatment, taking into account individual characteristics patient, which significantly affects the quality of the doctor’s work.

Using the program makes it possible to track the dynamics of clinical blood test parameters for each patient.

Segmented neutrophils

The norm and deviations from it in the number of neutrophils

Calculation of the number of neutrophils and its result allows us to draw conclusions about the patient’s health status. The neutrophil norm differs in children early age and adults.

A child from birth to 1 year has special neutrophil levels. Their condition and dynamics are monitored by doctors. Normally, in a child of this age, the lower limit of the number of these blood cells is 1000 cells/µl. Children of the first year of life are vulnerable to many infections, since the immune system is imperfect and is in the process of formation. Neutropenia or a decrease in the level of neutrophils in infants can be suspected based on many signs: the presence of diseases of the throat, lungs, the appearance of inflammation or infectious lesions of the oral cavity.

The norm for children over 12 years old in terms of the content of blood neutrophils is the same as for adults. Their level can be different, fluctuating in a wide range - 1500 to 7000 cells/μl.

A decrease in indicators less than the lower limit value is temporary. Common reason– preparing the body to fight against viral infections, taking medications antiviral action. Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the throat, gums, and dermatological diseases against the background of a decrease in the absolute norm of neutrophils are dangerous. They can lead to serious illnesses blood.

A persistent decrease in neutrophil levels is associated with a long-term decrease in immunity.

If the absolute number of neutrophils in a person is exceeded, the symptom may be the result of the development of infections with the formation of purulent-inflammatory processes. Such results are observed in sepsis, severe burns, stroke, myocardial infarction, and alcohol poisoning.

Decreased neutrophil levels due to colds

How to avoid neutrophil fluctuations in the body?

Only a doctor can prescribe medications. But the patient can follow the rules to normalize and maintain a normal ratio of neutrophils to other leukocytes:

• vaccination against infectious diseases (national calendar vaccinations), influenza (annually);
• compliance with hygiene rules, use of personal protective equipment (masks, oxolinic ointment);
• ban on visiting public places with large crowds of people during a period of increasing numbers respiratory diseases and flu;
• eating food (meat, eggs, fish, milk) that has undergone sufficient heat treatment.

Proper nutrition will help normalize the level of neutrophils and avoid many other pathologies

Each case of a change in the neutrophil norm requires special attention doctor, additional diagnostic procedures. Self-treatment, aimed at increasing or decreasing the level of leukocytes, is unacceptable and can cause irreversible consequences. Many require treatment and systematic monitoring by a hematologist, and regular monitoring of the results of laboratory blood tests.

More:

What does an increased level of neutrophils in the blood indicate in adults and children?

Neutrophils (NEUT) occupy a special position among all white blood cells; due to their numbers, they top the list of the entire leukocyte unit and individually.

Not a single inflammatory process can occur without neutrophils, because their granules are filled with bactericidal substances, their membranes carry receptors for class G immunoglobulins (IgG), which allows them to bind antibodies of a given specificity. Perhaps the main useful feature of neutrophils is their high ability for phagocytosis; neutrophils are the first to come to the inflammatory focus and immediately begin to eliminate the “accident” - one single neutrophil cell is capable of immediately absorbing 20-30 bacteria that threaten human health.

Young, young, sticks, segments...

In addition to the main function - phagocytosis, where neutrophils act as killers, these cells in the body have other tasks: they perform a cytotoxic function, participate in the coagulation process (promote the formation of fibrin), help form the immune response at all levels of immunity (have receptors for immunoglobulins E and G, to leukocyte antigens of classes A, B, C of the HLA system, to interleukin, histamine, components of the complement system).

How do they work?

As noted earlier, neutrophils have all the functional abilities of phagocytes:

• Chemotaxis (positive - having left the blood vessel, neutrophils take a course “toward the enemy”, “decisively moving to the site of introduction of the foreign object; negative - the movement is directed in the opposite direction);
• Adhesion (the ability to adhere to a foreign agent);
• The ability to independently capture bacterial cells without the need for specific receptors;
• The ability to act as killers (kill captured microbes);
• Digest foreign cells (“having eaten,” the neutrophil noticeably increases in size).

Video: neutrophil fights bacteria

The granularity of neutrophils gives them the opportunity (as well as other granulocytes) to accumulate a large number of various proteolytic enzymes and bactericidal factors (lysozyme, cationic proteins, collagenase, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, etc.), which destroy the walls bacterial cell and “deal with” her. However, such activity can also affect the cells of the body in which the neutrophil lives, that is, its own cell structures, she damages them. This suggests that neutrophils, infiltrating the inflammatory focus, simultaneously with the destruction of foreign factors, also damage the tissues of their own body with their enzymes.

Always and everywhere first

The reasons for the increase in neutrophils are not always associated with some pathology. Due to the fact that these representatives of leukocytes always strive to be the first, they will react to any changes in the body:

1. Hearty lunch;
2. Intensive work;
3. Positive and negative emotions, stress;
4. Premenstrual period;
5. Expecting a child (during pregnancy, in the second half);
6. The period of delivery.

Such situations, as a rule, go unnoticed, neutrophils are slightly elevated, and at such a moment we do not rush to get tested.

It’s another matter when a person feels that he is sick and leukocytes are needed as a diagnostic criterion. Neutrophils are elevated in the following pathological conditions:

• Any (whatever there may be) inflammatory processes;
• Malignant diseases (hematological, solid tumors, bone marrow metastases);
• Metabolic intoxication (eclampsia during pregnancy, diabetes mellitus);
• Surgical interventions on the first day after surgery (as a reaction to injury), but high neutrophils the next day after surgical treatment– not a good sign (this indicates that an infection has occurred);
• Transfusion.

It should be noted that in some diseases the absence of the expected leukocytosis (or even worse - low neutrophils) is considered an unfavorable “sign”, for example, normal level granulocytes in acute pneumonia does not give encouraging prospects.

In what cases does the number of neutrophils decrease?

The reasons are also quite varied, but you should keep in mind: we're talking about O reduced values caused by another pathology or exposure to certain therapeutic measures, or really low numbers, which may indicate serious illnesses blood (suppression of hematopoiesis). Causeless neutropenia always requires examination and then, perhaps, the reasons will be found. These could be:

Most often the reasons decreased neutrophils are fungal, viral (especially) and bacterial infections, and in the background low level neutrophil leukocytes feel good, all bacteria that populate skin and penetrating the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract- a vicious circle.

Sometimes the granular leukocytes themselves are the cause of immunological reactions. For example, in rare cases (during pregnancy), a woman’s body sees something “foreign” in the child’s granulocytes and, trying to get rid of it, begins to produce antibodies directed at these cells. This behavior of the mother's immune system can negatively affect the health of the newborn. Neutrophilic leukocytes in the child’s blood test will be reduced, and doctors will have to explain to the mother what isoimmune neonatal neutropenia.

Neutrophil abnormalities

To understand why neutrophils behave this way in certain situations, one should better study not only the characteristics inherent in healthy cells, but also become familiar with their pathological conditions when a cell is forced to experience unusual conditions for itself or is unable to function normally due to hereditary, genetically determined defects:

Acquired anomalies and congenital defects of neutrophils do not have the best effect on the functional abilities of the cells and on the health of the patient in whose blood defective leukocytes are found. Violation of chemotaxis (lazy leukocyte syndrome), enzyme activity in the neutrophil itself, lack of response from the cell to the given signal (receptor defect) - all these circumstances significantly reduce the body's defenses. The cells, which should be the first at the site of inflammation, themselves “get sick”, so they do not know what is waiting for them or cannot complete the tasks assigned to them, even if they arrive at the scene of the “accident” in this state. That's how important they are - neutrophils.

Neutrophils (granulocytes, neutrophilic leukocytes) are lymphocyte cells that defend the body at the cost of their own existence. By dying, they prevent the spread of infection. The presence of serious bacterial or fungal infections can be confirmed by a blood test that shows elevated neutrophils.

You can find out the number of these cells from the results general analysis blood. A separate column indicates the percentage of neutrophils in relation to total number lymphocytes. To find out the absolute (abs.) value, you will already need basic mathematics skills. It is necessary to multiply the number of lymphocytes by the percentage of neutrophils and divide the resulting figure by 100.

Example: lymphocytes – 6 x 10 9 cells per liter, neutrophils – 70%.
The absolute number of neutrophil cells = 4.2 x10 9 /l. (6 x 10 9 x 70 / 100 = 4.2 x 10 9).

Just as often, the number of cells is indicated in thousands per microliter - thousand/µl, which leaves the numerical component of the indicator unchanged in both cases.

Excess neutrophil count

For diagnostic purposes, it is interesting not only the total number of neutrophils, but also their species ratio; they are segmented and band, also with serious pathologies Metamyelocytes and myelocytes can enter the blood. It is necessary to pay attention to lymphocytes in their total number: they can be reduced, be within the normal range, or exceed it. Let us take a closer look at the reasons for the increase in the level of neutrophils that are constantly present in the blood. But first, let's define the differences different forms these blood cells.

Adult granulocyte cells have a nucleus that is divided into segments, hence the name - segmented.

In cells that have not completed maturation, the nucleus is not fully formed and has the appearance of a rod - they are called stab.

Increased total neutrophil count

If a blood test indicates an increase in the number of neutrophils, this may be a sign of the following pathologies:

• Bacterial infection, which is accompanied by focal or generalized (generalized) inflammatory process. In the first case, this may indicate a respiratory tract or throat infection, a purulent-inflammatory process in the ear, tuberculosis, a kidney infection in acute phase, pneumonia, etc. In the second case - cholera, peritonitis, sepsis, scarlet fever;
• Processes associated with the formation of necrotic areas. The reasons lie in gangrene, stroke, myocardial infarction, large-area burns;
• Presence of toxins that directly affect function bone marrow. The agent may be alcohol or lead;
• The presence of toxins of bacterial origin, without the introduction of the bacterium itself. It can often be a consequence of eating canned foods (bacteria have lost their viability, but their waste products are still present);
• Malignant tumors at the stage of tissue decay.

An increase in neutrophils may also indicate the introduction of a vaccine in the recent past, a period of recovery after an infectious disease.

Standard options

In some cases, neutrophil leukocytes can rise to a level of 7–8 billion in one liter of blood and be normal value. As a rule, such indicators are typical for pregnant women. It can occur after a heavy lunch, or be the result of psychological stress, shock or physical activity. The analysis is usually performed several times in order to establish the truth of its indicators.

Degrees of excess

The condition when neutrophils are elevated is called neutrophilosis or neutrophilia. There are several stages of the process. To classify them, absolute values ​​of indicators are used, expressed in billions of cells in one liter of blood (for convenience, the value is used to the power of 10 9).

The higher the degree of neutrophilia, the more difficult the process in the body.

Increased segmented neutrophils

Segmented granulocytes make up about 70% of all neutrophils in the blood. An increase in their number, along with an increase in the total number of leukocytes, indicates the following pathologies:

1. Infections in the body (encephalitis, fungal diseases, spirochetosis);
2. Diseases of the lower extremities;
3. The presence of malignant tumors;
4. Pathologies in the functioning of the urinary system;
5. Inflammatory phenomena of a rheumatoid nature, with gout, pancreatitis, arthritis, disruption of tissue integrity;
6. Increased glucose levels in circulating blood.

Increased band neutrophils

Band neutrophils can be increased during the acute course of the infectious process. Their sharp release into the blood is provided immune system in response to an invasion by an alien agent. And there is also an increase in the level of neutrophils by initial stages diseases (provided that segmented neutrophils are within normal limits). This is due to the fact that over a period of 5 to 48 hours they “grow up” and form a segmented nucleus from a “rod” - they turn into segmented ones.

Reasons high rate band neutrophils:

• Inflammation of the ear, kidneys or lungs;
• The period immediately after surgery;
• Acute skin reaction in the form of allergies or dermatitis;
• Violation of the integrity of the skin;
• Injuries internal organs and bones;
• Burns varying degrees heaviness;
• Gout;
• Rheumatoid phenomena;
• Tumor of benign and malignant nature;
• Anemia;
• Decrease or increase in ambient temperature;
• Pregnancy;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Allergic type reaction to taking medications;
• Major blood loss;
• Bacterial infection and purulent diseases.

Physical activity, nervous overstimulation, or increased level carbon dioxide can also cause an increase in neutrophils in the body. It is known that a blood test indicates band neutrophilia after taking drugs such as heparin. The same effect is observed from corticosteroid drugs, adrenaline or herbal preparations based on foxglove. Neutrophils are also elevated as a result of poisoning with lead, mercury or insecticides.

Neutrophils are increased against the background of a decrease in the number of lymphocytes

Options were discussed above when the level of lymphocytes increases along with the number of granulocytes. Now let's figure out why lymphocytes can be reduced with an increase in the proportion of neutrophils. A blood test can give this result in the following conditions:

• Kidney failure;
• Chronic long course diseases of infectious nature;
• Reaction to an x-ray examination;
• Reaction to a course of chemotherapy or radiation treatment;
• Malignant diseases in the terminal stage;
• As a result of aplastic anemia;
• Long-term use of cytostatics.

This condition is observed (lymphocytes are reduced and neutrophils are increased) in women with premenstrual syndrome, in an adult, regardless of gender nervous overstrain and long-term stressful situation. In such cases, as a rule, segmented granulocytes increase.

Norm of neutrophil lymphocytes

Blood test in at different ages shows the different number of such cells in the bloodstream in relation to the total number of lymphocytes. The table below shows upper limit normal indicators . Higher numerical values ​​indicate that neutrophils are increased.

Age	Rod-nuclear, %	Segmental-nuclear, %
up to 1 year	4	45
1 – 6	5	60
7 – 12	5	65
13 – 15	6	65
16 and older	6	72

In children, the minimum level of band granulocytes is at the level of half a percent. In an adult, the lower limit of band granulocytes is normally never lower than 1%.

Segmented granulocytes in children under one year of age are reduced if they fall short in relative value to 15%, from one to six years - up to 25%, up to 15 years - up to 35%, in adults, in adults - up to 47%

We remind you that you should not independently plan a course of treatment based on blood tests and other studies, even after carefully studying the information on the Internet. Only a doctor can evaluate the results: not only a one-time decrease or increase in indicators matters, but also their dynamics (comparison with earlier results). It is also necessary to take into account the level of other blood cells and the results of other studies. Leave the hard work to the professionals.