Regular Blood Work Showed Something New

[andrewax2]

So I’m used to seeing a high ALT and Bilirubin, but this is the first time I’ve seen a Low White Blood Cell count and Low Absolute Neutrophils.

Anyone else with NAFLD seen something like this before as a result of NAFLD or is this likely unrelated?

[Schnauzerguy]

I have NASH and leukopenia (low white blood cell) I dont think they are related, but something to keep an eye on. I rarely get sick, and am asymptomatic for leukemia, so its not something my doctors are concerned about. I had a bone marrow biopsy. But its conclusive and lets you know whats going on. Good luck.

[andrewax2 in reply to Schnauzerguy]

Did you get them at the same time or one before the other?

[Schnauzerguy in reply to andrewax2]

I had an assumed NASH diagnosis first, confirmed later after biopsy. In between I had a bone marrow biopsy due to doctors looking closely at bloodwork and seeing I had extremely low white blood cells. It turns out I likely have genetic leukopenia (my son was tested after me, though not bone marrow) and he also has low white blood cells and is rarely sick like me.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Schnauzerguy]

The condition can have a lot of causes so in reality probably a combination but with regard to your liver, it can be associated with the enlarged spleen that is a consequence of NASH commonly. Probably some altered chemistry from the liver as well though I haven't researched that. My values went down as my fibrosis increased over the years and remains low today.

[Schnauzerguy in reply to nash2]

To the best of my knowledge my spleen is ok, my PCP has been very helpful, as well as a great gastroenterologist (who sadly left the practice he was in), I am working with a very good nutritionist currently who helped me dial in diet (which was pretty good, just not for a fatty liver) though not obese my weight was creeping up. Ive since lost about 25lbs and most of my bloodwork is now within normal or better eg bilirubin is now borderline and ALT is high, but lower. I dont think much about leukopenia, just something I am aware of.

[andrewax2 in reply to Schnauzerguy]

Thanks for the feedback. I have an appointment with my Gastro this coming week and will discuss the results. I had let my diet slip a bit, but not too much lately. I’ve dropped 51 lbs since the beginning of this year, but gained about 4 back the past month since I wasn’t as strict with my diet. I’m tightening that back up, but was surprised to see something new in my lab results considering I’m going in the right direction.

[Schnauzerguy in reply to andrewax2]

Well I wish you all the best. When I was talking with the oncologist who did my marrow biopsy, he shared he had leukopenia too and rarely got sick - I had told him when my PCP saw my lab work he was very concerned and basically got me in to the oncologist within a couple days, so I was extremely anxious. His advice was to just be aware, and if I happen to become symptomatic to get back in touch otherwise some people just have very low white blood count, and are otherwise fine. He also mentioned he saw leukopenia run in families.