The norm of monocytes in children
Monocytes are one of the specieswhite blood cells. They differ in large sizes and increased activity. The task of monocytes is to protect the body from foreign cells, microorganisms, tumors and dead tissue. They are responsible for the purity of the blood and participate in its renewal.
Monocytes in a child are diagnosed on an empty stomach.Photo: Getty For a child, the level of monocytes should be in the range of 0.05 to 0.7 x 10 9 / l. However, the doctor evaluates not only this indicator. He takes into account their share in the composition of leukocytes. The last indicator changes with the age of the child.
- in the newborn the proportion of monocytes is 3-12%;
- in a baby up to 2 weeks - 5-15%;
- a child up to 1 g - 4-10%;
- a child who has more than a year - 3-9%.
If the level of monocytes is normal,that the blood circulation passes correctly, there is no infection with microbes and bacteria. An analysis for monocytes is done on an empty stomach. On the eve it is better to avoid high physical activity and not to eat heavy fatty foods. Otherwise it will cause an increase in monocytes. Before taking the tests, tell the doctor if the child is taking any medications. Some of them also cause an increase in the level of monocytes.
What does it mean if monocytes are increased or decreased in a child
The level of monocytes decreases with anemia,weakening of immunity, after operations and catarrhal diseases, with stress and trauma, and also with the use of hormonal drugs. The level of monocytes increases with viral and infectious diseases, if the body has parasites and fungi, inflammatory processes in the intestine, esophagus and mouth, poisoning the body with toxic substances and with blood and lymphatic system diseases. If the concentration of monocytes is increased, then this process is called monocytosis. There are 2 types of monocytosis:
- If an extremely large number of monocytes is found, then they speak of absolute monocytosis.
- If the number of monocytes is normal, but the number of other leukocytes decreases, this is relative monocytosis.
Absolute monocytosis is an alarm signal. Relative monocytosis is not very informative. It can be caused by a recent cold or heredity. However, when the baby successfully recovers after the disease or his teeth are cut, there is also an increase in the number of monocytes. Do not rush yourself to draw conclusions based on the analysis of monocytes. Entrust this matter to a doctor who will fully approach this issue. Also interesting:
