Posts by Nicholas Myers

redeagle96 said:what does eosinophil cationic protein indicate? (I mean, does it just show an allergy exists, or could it point toward something like asthma?)

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) acts as a marker for allergic mechanisms; essentially, it can spike during allergic reactions. Measuring ECP levels can help identify allergic inflammation within the respiratory system, among other things. However, you can't pin a diagnosis of asthma solely on elevated ECP values.

Donna Anderson6 said:Can someone make sense of these results?
Leukocytes -- 12.6 (3.4-9.7)
erythrocyte – 5.52 (3.86-5.08)
Hb – 145 (119-157)
Hematocrit – 0.434 (0.356-0.470)
MCV – 78.6 (83-97.2)
MCH – 26.3 (27.4-33.9)
MCHC – 334 (320-345)
RDW – 13.5 (9-15)
Platelets – 276 (158-424)
MPV – 10.3 (6.8-10.4)
Neutrophils – 82.3 (44-72)
lymphocytes – 2.7 (20-46)
Monocytes – 4.7 (2-12)
Eosinophils – 0.2 (00-7)
Basophils – 0.1 (00-1)
Band neutrophils – 10 (0-4)
CRP – 3.2 (00-3)
Urine
Blood +
bilirubin – negative
urobilinogen – normal
Ketones - +++
Protein - ++
Nitrites – negative
Glucose – normal
Reaction (pH) – 8.0 (4.5 – 8)
Specific Gravity – 1.000 (1.004-1.04)
Urine microscopy – WBC ++
Urine sediment – WBC – 33 (00-5)
Urine sediment – erythrocyte – 5 (00-2)
Sedimentation Platelets – 16 (00-1)
Small epithelial cells – 0 (00-1)
Hyaline casts – 0 (00-1)
Bacteria – many

Reason for testing - suspected appendicitis, pain on the right side. Is this blood work very concerning? It's clear there is inflammation, most likely a urinary tract infection, but several parameters are elevated... I'm currently at the beach so I can't see my doctor immediately, and I'm not particularly skilled at reading blood panels, so if anyone could share their thoughts... thanks in advance 🙂 (and yes, I know corticosteroids can affect blood counts, and I'm using them for allergies)

A quick glance at these findings suggests a possible urinary tract infection. The urine analysis points strongly toward this: significant bacteria, leukocytes (inflammatory cells), plus protein and blood in the urine. Additionally, ketones are present while glucose remains negative, which often indicates you haven't eaten for a while. In the bloodwork, we see an increase in inflammatory cells (leukocytes), specifically neutrophils, which aligns with a bacterial infection in the body.

So, based strictly on these numbers—without knowing the patient's full clinical picture—my first thought would be a UTI.

However, lab results alone, stripped of patient symptoms and other diagnostic data, cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.

I'm not sure if you've been seen at an ER or an urgent care clinic, or if you've started any treatment (like antibiotics) and whether that has helped.

Finding the actual cause of abdominal pain isn't always straightforward; sometimes, the true diagnosis remains elusive.

Regarding the corticosteroids: they can impact blood counts if taken as pills or injections. But if it's just a spray, cream, or drops, absorption is minimal, so they likely won't significantly alter the bloodwork.

It's also worth noting that multiple issues can exist simultaneously; having a urinary tract infection doesn't necessarily mean it's the sole cause of your discomfort.

Amy Fowler85 said:Please help me interpret my mom's lab results. Everything was flagged because the values are outside the normal range (she is 47 years old).
It concerns thyroid hormones.

TSH 19.8
T4 72.4
anti Tg 288.1 IU/L
anti TPO 369.5

Assuming these are T4 values (not fT4!) and expressed in nmol/L (so T4 at 72.4 nmol/L), we might be looking at subclinical hypothyroidism. In this scenario, TSH is elevated while T4 remains within the normal range. Subclinical hypothyroidism essentially means thyroid function is dipping, even if the patient isn't feeling much yet. Given the high antibody levels, the culprit could be Hashimoto's thyroiditis—a chronic inflammation of the thyroid driven by autoimmune factors.

Regardless, an endocrinologist will need to take a look. They’ll likely order more blood work or perhaps an ultrasound...
The patient's own input is also vital here—what symptoms are they experiencing, how long have they lasted, and are there any other underlying health issues?

With this condition, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly—moving from high to normal, or even dropping low. Eventually, it usually settles into overt hypothyroidism, where hormone levels are low and require thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

All in all, I don't see any reason to panic.
But definitely, take these results to a doctor who can determine the specific next steps.

Speaking as a physician, here is my take. Optic nerve atrophy isn't caused by just one thing; there are numerous culprits. We’re looking at glaucoma (nerve degradation due to high intraocular pressure), inflammation, ischemia (blood flow issues), edema, physical pressure on the nerve, trauma, or toxic damage from things like alcohol or certain medications. You also have to consider optic nerve tumors, such as a glioma, or even hereditary forms where genetic defects cause the nerve to fail.
Because this is such a complex field, you need a specialist in the specific branch known as neuro-ophthalmology. In the US, a premier center for this kind of work would be somewhere like the Mayo Clinic.
In my opinion, you should schedule an appointment there for a formal consultation. Since they are undoubtedly the leading experts in this niche, I highly recommend them. Medical technology has come a long way, allowing us to diagnose conditions today that were completely invisible to doctors decades ago.
Best regards. Wishing you the very best. Hang in there. 👍