Pediatric white blood cell disorders

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pediatric white blood cell disorder involves a detailed medical history and physical exam. Blood tests are key to diagnosing pediatric white blood cell disorders. Your healthcare professional may order other tests depending on the suspected cause.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of condition caused by the high or low white blood cell count and the underlying cause. Treatment for infection might involve antibiotics or antiviral or antifungal medicines.

Preparing for your appointment

If your child has symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your child's main healthcare professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your child's symptoms, including any that seem don't seem linked to the reason for your appointment, and when they began.
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
• All medicines, vitamins or other supplements your child takes, including the dosages.
• Questions to ask your child's healthcare professional.

For pediatric white blood cell disorders, you might ask:

• What's the likely cause of my child's symptoms?
• What are other possible causes?
• What tests does my child need?
• Is this condition likely to go away or to last?
• What's the best course of action?
• Are there restrictions my child needs to follow?
• Should I take my child to a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you suggest?

Be sure to ask all the questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's healthcare professional may ask you questions, such as:

• Does your child always have symptoms or do they come and go?
• How bad are the symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to make the symptoms better?
• What, if anything, seems to make the symptoms worse?

Living with pediatric white blood cell disorders?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.

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