Elevated monocytes in the blood - what does this mean?

The usual person does not always understand the various medical terms, numbers, formulas. For example, elevated monocytes in the blood: what does this mean? First of all, it is necessary to find out what this term stands for.

What are monocytes?

Monocytes are certain cells of the immune system. They are also called tissue macrophages and frangocitating mononuclears. Monocytes are a kind of leukocytes and perform protective functions in the body: prevent various infectious diseases, dissolve blood clots, eliminate dead tissue. These cells form and mature in the bone marrow. Then they are transported into the bloodstream and circulate through the blood for 36-100 hours. After that, monocytes pass into the tissues of the body and are transformed into tissue macrophages, the main function of which is the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and dead tissues. In addition, these cells affect the regulation of hematopoiesis. With their help, substances that protect immunity are synthesized: interferon, interleukins.

If high monocytes in the blood are diagnosed, it means that the person has monocytosis. It can be relative and absolute. This condition indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

Monocytes in the blood are increased: the causes

8% of monocytes from the whole number of leukocytes is the norm for a healthy person. If the level of these cells exceeds 8%, then this indicates a relative monocytosis. At the same time, the absolute number of monocytes in the blood does not go beyond the norm, however, the level of other types of leukocytes may decrease. Absolute monocytosis appears with an increase in the total number of monocytes above 0.7 * 109 / L. Determine these indicators will help blood test. Monocytes increased may be due to the following reasons:

• Various diseases of the circulatory system;

• Rickettsial, viral, protozoal, fungal infections;

• ulcerative colitis;

• enteritis;

• Leukemia;

• syphilis;

• tuberculosis;

• brucellosis;

• Nodular polyarteritis;

• lupus erythematosus;

• arthritis.

Why can monocytes be lowered?

If the number of monocytes in the blood is less than 1% of the total leukocyte count, then this condition is called monocytopenia.

The most common causes of this phenomenon:

• Aplastic anemia;

• typhoid fever;

• Exhaustion of the body;

• Postpartum period in women;

• Damage to the bone marrow;

• Purulent processes;

• shock;

• Reception of certain medicines.

Elevated monocytes in the blood: what to do?

If the level of these cells is increased slightly, then the body is able to cope with the problem on its own. If high monocyte counts are detected without medical assistance, treatment of the underlying disease is indispensable. This requires thorough diagnosis, various medications and a long period of time. However, a 100% cure is not always possible. For example, with leukemia complete recovery can be achieved in very rare cases. Nevertheless, it is impossible to ignore the disease, it is necessary to adhere to all the recommendations of the attending physician.

Elevated monocytes in the blood are very serious. Ignoring monocytosis can be very dangerous to health.