Is high white blood count usually high during miscarriage?

snowcone22

Hello!

I am just trying to pick some brains. The last couple of years, I have had 5 miscarriages. 4 were chemicals. My last one, just last week, was at 11 weeks although it looked like it stopped growing at about 9 1/2.

I miscarried naturally, but went to the ER when the pain got bad. I had bloodwork done, which showed high white blood count (20). I know that usually means your body is fighting an infection. But I had no other signs of an infection and I didn't need a D& C, although I am still being watched til my beta numbers get to 0. I am at 400 as of Tuesday.

So I have been trying to do research on all of this and am finding info on immune disorders and NK cells (Natural Killer). I am trying to gather as much info as I can as I am wondering if this could possibly be my problem.NK cells are white blood cells I am reading. Does anyone know more about this? I am wondering if it is common to have elevated WBC during a miscarriage or if it may be a sign that I have NK cells?

Any info or input is greatly appreciated!!

Best of luck to you all!

snowcone22

Thanks for your reply, I am following up with my doctor and RE, but I've been researching immune disorders and recurrent pregnancy loss. Not sure if a lot of people are familiar with immune disorders and RPL so I know I might not get a lot of answers on here. Yes, we all have NK cells however, some people have immune disorders where your body thinks the baby is foreign and the NK cells attacks the baby basically. There are only a few doctors who test and treat it in the US from what I am gathering. Here is one doctor who goes into pretty good detail I thought if anyone is interested.

Thanks for any input I really appreciate it!!!

https://www.rialab.com/miscarriages_prevented.php

socialwkrsweetie

What @ktlovess said is spot on. I have a lot of knowledge about immune issues and RPL but I would still say following up with the RE is a solid plan. Trust me when I say you don't want immune issues. It's NOT a good time! Not that I think you are looking for trouble, just saying. As far as WBC some meds can cause that as well like prednisone when used long term but it doesn't sound like that's your situation. Good luck and I'm sorry for your loss.

snowcone22

Thanks social! Yes, I am following up with my RE but a lot of RE doctors don't test for immune disorders or do the treatments from what I am gathering. There are 3 doctors who seem to be the experts on this, the one I posted above, The Dr. Beers clinic, who is also in California, and another Dr. in NY. Have you heard of any of them? 

& yes, I wasn't on any meds. Just trying to get an idea if it's common to have elevated WBC during a miscarriage...it doesn't sound like it is. Or at least maybe not that common or likely.

Thanks so much for any input!! & good luckll!

socialwkrsweetie

I'm not familiar with either doctor. I have Hashimotos (thyroid), Lupus and a hx of nephrotic syndrome. I also have a hx of Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome but it's resolved. So I don't have those issues mentioned in the article but my rheumatologist and I discussed IVIG as well as other possible treatments and says that there is no evidence that they work. It's still very experimental and expensive. If there was something to help with my autoimmune issues and how they played a roll in my MCs I would do anything but we basically have to hope eventually my body will stop attacking our babies.

snowcone22

I understand, & I am so sorry for your losses. I have had 5 and I feel like my body is doing the same...attacking them for some reason. I just don't know why though. I haven't been diagnosed with anything. I am going to push for more testing and am meeting with a different RE who thinks more "out of the box" according to my OB. I also may consult with one of the doctors I posted about above. Just even to get the testing done and either get an idea of what is wrong, or rule it out.

Best of luck to you.

socialwkrsweetie

I think you have a solid plan. Good luck!

Rachaeleigh

meladoriestar said:

snowcone22 said:

Thanks social! Yes, I am following up with my RE but a lot of RE doctors don't test for immune disorders or do the treatments from what I am gathering. There are 3 doctors who seem to be the experts on this, the one I posted above, The Dr. Beers clinic, who is also in California, and another Dr. in NY. Have you heard of any of them? 

& yes, I wasn't on any meds. Just trying to get an idea if it's common to have elevated WBC during a miscarriage...it doesn't sound like it is. Or at least maybe not that common or likely.

Thanks so much for any input!! & good luckll!

I'm confused by this because from what I gather, it's one of the most common things they check for in rpl tests. I know mine includes some autoimmune antibodies and I was referred to a hematologist, who seemed unconcerned, and then he referred me to a rheumatologist.

Have you had all the testing done? I think there's a handful that should be normal (check our blog for more info). Will they be checking your white blood cell count again? Anyway I agree with everyone else- ask your re and maybe, IF there is actual evidence of an autoimmune problem or some family history, get a referral to a rheumatologist.

I believe she's referring more to what reproductive immunologists cover. There are really only 3 that practice that specific discipline (I think).

snowcone22

Mel, There are more tests that can be done from what I am reading about immune disorders. The site I referred to above seems to have a pretty good explanation of it all if you want to read it. Or google Dr. Beers and there are other sites that have more info about it. He is the pioneer of it. The community board Fertile Thoughts seems to have some women on there who have done these tests and treatments, I am still awaiting to be approved to post on that site. I've had the general tests they typically do, the RPL done and everything has come back normal. If you have RPL with no explanation, it might be something worth looking into. It's interesting.

The tests they recommend and I don't think an RE typically tests for are (I know I haven't been at least):

Laboratory TestingStudies recommend include:Blocking Antibody level (by flow cytometry)
  T cell IgG
  B cell IgG
Antiphospholipid Antibody Panel
  Anticardiolipin antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoglycerol antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoserine antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoethanolamine antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphatidic acid antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoinositol antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
  Lupus anticoagulant (LA)
  VDRL
Antinuclear Antibody Panel
  ANA Titer
  Double stranded DNA
  SSA
  SSB
  RNP
  SM
Antihistone Antibody
HLA Tissue Typing
  ABC
  DR,DQ
DQA1 DNA fingerprinting
DQB1 DNA fingerprinting
Chromosome analysis
Immunophenotype
Natural Killer Cell Activation Assay
Natural Killer Cell Activation/IVIg Assay
Intracellular Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Assay
Quantitative Immunoglobulin
Factor V Leiden Gene Mutation
Factor II (Prothrombin) Gene Mutation
Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Mutation

socialwkrsweetie

snowcone22 said:

Mel, There are more tests that can be done from what I am reading about immune disorders. The site I referred to above seems to have a pretty good explanation of it all if you want to read it. Or google Dr. Beers and there are other sites that have more info about it. He is the pioneer of it. The community board Fertile Thoughts seems to have some women on there who have done these tests and treatments, I am still awaiting to be approved to post on that site. I've had the general tests they typically do, the RPL done and everything has come back normal. If you have RPL with no explanation, it might be something worth looking into. It's interesting.

The tests they recommend and I don't think an RE typically tests for are (I know I haven't been at least):

Laboratory TestingStudies recommend include:Blocking Antibody level (by flow cytometry)
  T cell IgG
  B cell IgG
Antiphospholipid Antibody Panel
  Anticardiolipin antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoglycerol antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoserine antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoethanolamine antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphatidic acid antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Antiphosphoinositol antibodies -- IgG, IgM, IgA
  Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
  Lupus anticoagulant (LA)
  VDRL
Antinuclear Antibody Panel
  ANA Titer
  Double stranded DNA
  SSA
  SSB
  RNP
  SM
Antihistone Antibody
HLA Tissue Typing
  ABC
  DR,DQ
DQA1 DNA fingerprinting
DQB1 DNA fingerprinting
Chromosome analysis
Immunophenotype
Natural Killer Cell Activation Assay
Natural Killer Cell Activation/IVIg Assay
Intracellular Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Assay
Quantitative Immunoglobulin
Factor V Leiden Gene Mutation
Factor II

(Prothrombin) Gene Mutation
Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Mutation

I've been tested for about 90% of those through my rheumatologist and reproductive hematologist. So you can find doctors other than the specialist you mentioned to test. And I was tested for most years ago with my autoimmune issues and hx of blood clots. And then again after my first loss.