Monocytes are a group of cells belonging to leukocytes. They are responsible for the human immune system and perform several very important functions - they resist the development of infections, fight with parasitic microorganisms, tumor formations, and also dissolve blood clots.
These cells have a very strong effect on lymphocytes, which also means the entire hematopoiesis system.
Usually monocytes, whose norm is 4-8%, are shifted upwards. However, there are situations in which the number of these cells decreases, although low monocytes in the blood - a phenomenon somewhat more rare than changes of the opposite nature.
This does not necessarily indicate a disease, but in most cases, low monocytes, unfortunately, speak of a pathological process. Below we will consider in more detail what this says, and what causes contribute to this.
Norm of monocyte content in the blood
In a healthy adult and in children older than 13 years, the normal number of monocytes in the blood is 3 to 11% of the number of all leukocytes or 0.1 to 0.6 x 109 / L.
Monocytes in the blood of children under 13 years of age account for 2-12% of the total number of white blood cells.
The role of monocytes in the body
The main function of monocytes is the absorption of dead tissue and an active fight against parasites, microbes and tumors. They stand guard over the purity of blood and participate in its renewal, not without reason they are called "janitors of the body."
Therefore, in the body of monocytes play an important role, in the first place this:
- protects the body from microbial infection;
- tissue regeneration;
- antitumor protection;
- phagocytosis of damaged and dead tissue cells;
- toxic effects on parasites that enter the human body.
The lifespan of these blood cells is only 3 days, after which they penetrate into the tissue, where they are transformed into tissue macrophages. One of the most important functions of this element is their clearly expressed antitumor properties. In addition, they are responsible for the production of interferon.
Causes of decreased monocyte in adults
If the blood in an adult for any reason is a decrease in monocytes, then it means that there may come a monofilament. This pathology is very often observed in pregnant women immediately after childbirth. In addition, there are a number of other reasons that can lead to a decrease in monocytes, both in adults and in children. It should be noted that with the reduction of this element in the blood, there is an automatic decrease in other leukocytes.
Now let's take a closer look at what the reduced level of monocytes in an adult indicates. So, the reasons here may be as follows:
- shock, stress;
- surgical intervention;
- exposure to ionizing radiation;
- chemical poisoning;
- aplastic anemia;
- depletion of the body as a whole;
- severe purulent disease;
- long-term use of glucocorticosteroid preparations;
- is a serious infectious disease with a decrease in neutrophils, for example, typhoid fever;
- damage to the bone marrow( as monocytes form precisely in it, and only then get into the blood).
If a general blood test shows a low monocyte content, then you need to see a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease. Treatment of monocytopenia is the elimination of the causes that caused this symptom. In each case, the list of measures for their cancellation is different. Sometimes it is enough to revise the diet to increase the number of cells to the desired level. In some cases, special medications and surgical intervention will be required.
Reduced monocytes in the child
The causes of monocytopenia in children are the same as in adults. These include the following pathologies:
- acute infectious diseases;
- of bone marrow disease;
- surgical intervention;
- purulent inflammatory processes in the body;
- sepsis;
- depletion of the body.
Reduced monocyte content in the blood in children is observed much more often than high. Since the norm of monocytes in a child varies with age, the deviation from the norm, at which one can speak of monocytopenia, is different for different age groups.
What to do with low monocytes
The basic therapy with reduced monocytes is aimed at eliminating the root causes that led to their reduction. Each case is individual, and the doctor can both prescribe medication and completely cancel the existing one( which caused a decrease in monocytes in the blood).
As a rule, a certain diet is recommended for the patient. In some individual cases, with reduced monocyte counts, the surgeon's help may be required.