Low White Blood Cell Count. Could it be Prednisolone?

[Rostom]

I was diagnosed with PMR eight months ago but have been doing well, with only one flair and am currently on eight mg of Prednisolone daily.

I have other health problems, one of which necessitates blood tests several times a year.

I trotted into the surgery last week, blood was taken and as usual, I expected to hear nothing more. However, a day later my GP rang to tell me that my white blood cell count was low and did I feel unwell? Well, there's often something(!) but I vaguely remembered reading that Prednisolone can produce this effect - and he agreed but asked me to retest, which was done today.

My question is: if the re-test also proves positive, and the count is still low, would anyone have an idea of what effect eight mg of Prednisolone would/could/should have on white blood cell counts?

Many thanks if you can help and apologies if this is lengthy.



[PMRpro Ambassador]

In my experience, pred more often leads to increased white cell counts - they tend to rise soon after starting pred, the more the higher the dose and then fall again after a few weeks but remaining above pre-pred levels.

That's not lengthy - you should see some posts! Length doesn't matter - as long as you get the info in.

I hope they are not just repeating it but also doing a differential count - then it will be easier to suggest what it might be,

[Rostom in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, PROpro! I knew you ( or your knowledgeable chums) would be able to help. I have no idea how low is low, if you see what I mean! I was too surprised to ask but will do so if they are still low and my GP calls to tell me so.

I don't know what type of test is being done, I could also ask.

I was started on 15 mg eight and a half months ago but immediately had to rise to 20 mg as 15 mg didn't do it for me. I had one flare plus several illnesses and a rigorous holiday so kept my tapering quite slow. It seems to have worked so far...

With your permission, I will add to this when I have more information, either way.

Many thanks again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rostom]

You don't need permission! If you want others to see though you would be better posting a new thread

[kmeikle1]

My WBC is high (12-14 when normal is between 4-11) since I started taking prednisone.

[Rostom in reply to kmeikle1]

Thanks, kmeikle1. It's good to have some parameters.

After posting, I heard nothing further from my GP so feel a bit of an idiot! Perhaps I jumped too quickly after being told my WBC was 'high' but not asking how high or what a normal range was. I presume that I would only be contacted if my count was 'up' again on the second blood test but haven't been. I guess I am back to normal....

I may try to find out figures and update my post as it seems (to me) rude leaving my question dangling!

Thank you again.

[kmeikle1 in reply to Rostom]

Rostom Sometimes doctors have to be reminded of the effect of prednisone on WBC. Coincidentally, just this week my PA asked me to come in for a check because of my high WBC. I reminded her of the effects of prednisone and so no further follow-up was necessary.

[Rostom]

Many thanks kmeikle1.

I think I will ring for the results next week.

I will then know if my count is high, and if so, if it's within the range to be caused by the prednisolone.