From the Research
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can potentially cause low red blood cell (RBC) counts and hemoglobin levels indirectly through chronic inflammation and certain medications, and is associated with very high interleukin levels due to immune dysregulation. MS itself doesn't typically directly cause low RBC counts or hemoglobin levels, but certain factors associated with MS might contribute to these findings. Chronic inflammation, which is central to MS pathology, can lead to anemia of chronic disease in some patients 1. Additionally, some MS medications like interferon beta therapies may cause bone marrow suppression as a side effect, potentially leading to reduced RBC production 2, 3.
Regarding interleukin levels, MS is characterized by immune dysregulation, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including various interleukins (particularly IL-6, IL-17, and IL-1β), are commonly observed in MS patients, especially during disease flares 4. These elevated interleukin levels reflect the ongoing inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Some key points to consider include:
- Chronic inflammation in MS can lead to anemia of chronic disease
- Interferon beta therapies may cause bone marrow suppression, leading to reduced RBC production
- Elevated interleukin levels are common in MS patients, especially during disease flares
- Advanced imaging techniques can help detect chronic inflammation in MS patients 1
If you have MS and abnormal blood work showing low RBC counts, low hemoglobin levels, and high interleukin levels, it's essential to discuss these findings with your neurologist, as they may indicate disease activity or medication effects that could require adjustment to your treatment plan 3. Your doctor might need to investigate other potential causes of anemia as well, since these blood abnormalities aren't specific to MS alone. The most recent and highest quality study 4 suggests that treatment with interferon beta-1a can lead to an increase in IL-10 concentration, which may have anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting the complex relationship between MS, inflammation, and interleukin levels.