Starting from birth, and then at any age, a simple general blood test is an informative research method. In the course of a blood test, one of the indicators reveals the level of one of the types of leukocytes - monocytes.
Monocytes
Monocytes are the most active and largest blood cells that do not contain granules and are a type of leukocytes. Monocytes enter the blood from the red bone marrow, where they originate. Together with the blood, while still immature, they circulate for several days, after which they enter the tissues of the body, where they degenerate into macrophages. The main function of macrophages is the destruction and absorption of pathogenic and foreign microorganisms, their waste products, as well as the remains of dead cells. Monocytes, the rate of which can change with age, are also called "wipers of the body", as they very successfully prevent the occurrence of blood clots and neoplasms. Moreover, they take an active part in hematopoiesis. Unlike neutrophils, monocytes most often do not die after absorption of foreign particles and cells.
Monocytes: the norm in women and children
The indicator of the normal number of monocytes in the blood ranges from 3 to 11% of the total number of leukocytes and is calculated as a percentage. Translating the data into absolute value, we get more than 400 cells per 1 ml of blood.
The level of monocytes in the blood of a child with his age can change, so at birth their norm is from 3 to 12%, up to 2 weeks the level of monocytes can increase up to 15%, up to a year the norm will be considered - 4 -ten%. In an adult, the number of white cells is kept within 1-8%.
Sometimes in children it happens that monocytes, the norm of which ranges from 3 to 15%, deviate from this very norm by 10%. There is no reason to panic in this case. Another thing is when the level of monocytes deviates from the norm by the same 10% in an adult.
Elevated monocytes in children
The phenomenon when monocytes are increased in the blood (the norm in children is from 3 to 15%) is called monocytosis. In most cases, their high level indicates pathogenic changes in the body - an infectious disease. The hematopoietic system ceases to cope with pathogenic microorganisms, and active production of monocytes begins to help it.
Monocytosis is often noted in a number of diseases such as malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, syphilis and others.
In the process of poisoning with various substances, such as phosphorus, increased monocytes are also noted. The norm of monocytes often deviates during the natural physiological processes that occur inchildren, such as baby teeth falling out or teething.
Elevated monocytes in women
An increase in the level of monocytes in women is associated with such diseases: viral or fungal infections, tuberculosis, enteritis, syphilis, or a malfunction of the circulatory system. Very often, after gynecological operations, monocytes increase, the norm in women of which is in the range of 1-8% of the total number of leukocytes. The reason for the deviation of the indicator in women can even be the presence of a malignant tumor.
Monocytopenia in children
Monocytopenia is a phenomenon when monocytes are lowered in the blood of a child. The norm in this case deviates in case of bone marrow failure, acute infectious diseases, or with severe exhaustion of the body. Monocytopenia is also possible with surgery, with long-term hormonal therapy, or after chemotherapy radiation.
In case of a sharp decrease in monocytes in the blood of children, it is imperative to conduct additional studies to identify and further treat the disease that caused monocytopenia.
Decrease in monocytes in women
The level of white cells is very important to monitor during pregnancy, as childbirth, being a great stress, can lead to anemia, severe exhaustion of the body. A decrease in monocytes may also indicate bone marrow disease.
At any age, women need to be tested for monocytes in the blood at least once every six months, the rate of which should not exceed10% of total white blood cells.
Treatment
The treatment of monocytopenia is to eliminate the cause that caused the disease. Sometimes it will be enough to take some special drugs, sometimes you can not do without surgery.
Monocytosis disease has no symptoms. Patients with elevated levels of monocytes experience excessive weakness and fatigue, a decrease in temperature occurs, which is typical for various diseases. Therefore, monocytosis can only be recognized by passing a blood test. Treatment will depend on the pathologies that will form the basis for the development of the disease.
Monocytes are the protectors of the body, and it is important to keep them in the normal range. To do this, it is recommended to take a blood test at least once every six months.
