From the Guidelines
Elevated neutrophils typically indicate an active infection, inflammation, or stress in the body, and treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause rather than the elevated neutrophil count itself. The normal range for neutrophils is 1,500-8,000 cells per microliter, and an excess of this range is often a normal immune response to bacterial infections, but can also be caused by viral infections, inflammatory conditions, stress, certain medications, and rarely, blood disorders or cancer 1. Common causes of elevated neutrophils include:
- Bacterial infections, which require appropriate antibiotics
- Viral infections, which are often self-limiting
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, treated with anti-inflammatory medications
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Rarely, blood disorders or cancer
If you have elevated neutrophils, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, which may include a complete blood count, physical examination, and possibly additional tests to determine the cause 1. Neutrophils are the body's first line of defense against infections, particularly bacterial ones, so their elevation is often a normal immune response. However, persistent neutrophilia without an obvious cause requires medical attention to rule out serious conditions. In patients with cancer, especially those with HIV, the risk of opportunistic infections is elevated, and prophylaxis should be considered based on the patient's HIV status and cancer treatment 1. Treatment should always prioritize addressing the underlying cause of elevated neutrophils, rather than the elevated count itself, to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality.
From the Research
Elevated Neutrophil Count
Elevated neutrophil count, also known as neutrophilia, can be caused by various factors, including:
- Infections, such as sepsis or abscesses
- Inflammatory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or rheumatoid arthritis
- Medications, such as glucocorticosteroids (GCS) 2
- Other medical conditions, such as leukemia or lymphoma
Causes of Neutrophilia
Some studies have investigated the causes of neutrophilia, including:
- The use of GCS, which can cause leukocytosis and neutrophilia 2
- The role of neutrophils in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as COPD and atherosclerosis 3, 4, 5
- The effects of antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone and meropenem, which can cause neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophil count 6
Effects of Neutrophilia
Neutrophilia can have various effects on the body, including: