The increase and decrease in the number of segmented neutrophils in the blood can indicate what is happening in the body. In the case of an infection, for example, the number of segments may be increased as the immune system is working to fight the infection.
However, segmented neutrophils may have their quantity reduced in stressful situations, especially with not only segmented neutrophils decreasing, but also other white blood cells.
Segmented neutrophils are cells responsible for the body’s defense and are found in greater quantities in the blood when compared to other neutrophils.
High segmented neutrophils
The increase in the number of segmented neutrophils in the blood is called neutrophilia and occurs when the number of segmented neutrophils is greater than 8000/µL, or according to the maximum value established by the laboratory, which may occur due to some situations, such as:
- Infections caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria;
- Inflammation;
- Fast-growing tumors, such as those in the digestive tract or liver;
- Hemorrhage;
- Use of some medications, such as corticosteroids, for example;
- Insect bites;
- Heart attack;
- After intense physical activity;
- After surgery.
Furthermore, an increase in the number of segmented neutrophils can occur during birth and in newborns a few days after birth. It is up to the doctor to evaluate the blood count as a whole, in addition to the results of other requested tests, to verify the cause of the increase in segmented neutrophils and, thus, indicate appropriate treatment. Discover some other causes of increased neutrophils.
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The decrease in the amount of segmented neutrophils in the blood is called neutropenia and occurs when the value is below 1600/µL, or according to the minimum value determined by the laboratory.
The decrease in segmented numbers can occur due to changes in bone marrow activity, neonatal infection by viruses or bacteria, during chemotherapy treatment, alcoholism and autoimmune diseases, for example.
Reference value
The reference value of segmented neutrophils is indicated in the leukogram, which is one of the parts of the blood count that analyzes only white blood cells, that is, lymphocytes and neutrophils, including segmented ones. The reference value of segmented neutrophils may vary between laboratories, however values between 1600 and 8000/ µL or 35 to 66%, about. Find out more about the leukogram.
If you have any doubts about the white blood cell count result and want to know the possible cause of the increase or decrease in the segmented numbers, simply include your data in the calculator below:
Bibliography
- HINRICHSEN, Sylvia Lemos. Causes of: differential diagnosis. 1 ed. Rio de Janeiro: Medbook, 2014. 328-329; 331-332.
- HOFFBRAND, A. V.; MOSS, P. A. H. Fundamentals in Hematology. 6 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2013. 117-119.
