Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Children: A Parent's Guide

Question
My 2 year old had rotavirus and colostrodifficile in July.  The pediatrician ordered a CBC.  His WBC count was low.  It has been low ever since then.  The pediatrician also requested that he come in if he has any problems.  He had a cold that he could not shake, so I took him in one week ago.  The doctor ordered more blood tests.  The WBC count has never been above 1400, lymphocytes are 13.4% and I believe the neutrophils were 73%.  Can you tell me what this might mean?  My son is now getting CBC's twice "indefinitely or for at least 8 weeks."  We are very curious parents and have a grandma pushing for us to take him to an oncologist.  Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Melony, I'd be glad to try and answer your question.  As far as the WBC count never being above 1400, that is a little low.  Usually in children, the lymphocyte% is higher than the neutrophil % (lymphocytes and neutrophils are both types of white blood cells).  Since your child's neutrophil % is higher, this could indicate an infection.  Your child still may be recovering from this infection. I believe the doctor is doing the right thing by monitoring the CBC.  If he/she felt that anything else could possibly wrong, I think he/she wouldn't hesitiate to send your child to a specialist.  Has your child been feeling better?  Or is he feeling better?  If he's still really sick, check back with your doctor.  Good luck!

Samantha

**This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advice.**