From the Guidelines
The medical term for a slight increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) along with increased white blood cells is leukocytosis with relative polycythemia, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This condition represents an elevation in white blood cell count accompanied by a modest increase in red blood cell parameters. Relative polycythemia occurs when there is hemoconcentration due to decreased plasma volume rather than true increased red blood cell production. Common causes include dehydration, stress, smoking, or use of certain medications. The combination of these findings warrants clinical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Some key points to consider in the evaluation and management of this condition include:
- The role of stress hormones, such as catecholamines and cortisol, in driving the increase in white blood cells in response to acute exercise 1
- The differential response of white blood cell subsets, such as lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes, to exercise 1
- The potential for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as infections, to be indicated by resting levels of circulating white blood cells 1 Treatment typically focuses on addressing the root cause rather than the laboratory abnormalities themselves. For example, if dehydration is responsible, fluid rehydration would be recommended. If infection is present causing the elevated white blood cells, appropriate antimicrobial therapy might be needed. It's essential to monitor these values over time to determine if they represent a temporary change or a more persistent condition requiring further investigation. In the context of athletes, it's also important to consider the potential impact of exercise on white blood cell counts and other biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein 1.
From the Research
Medical Term for Increased Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and White Blood Cells
The medical term that could be associated with a slight increase in Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct) and an increase in White Blood Cells (WBC) is:
- Leukocytosis, which refers to an increase in the number of white blood cells [ 2 ].
- Polycythemia, which is characterized by an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit [ 3 ].
Associated Conditions
Some conditions that may be associated with these changes include:
- Infection, which can cause an increase in white blood cells [ 2 ]
- Inflammation, which can cause an increase in white blood cells and other acute phase reactants [ 4 ]
- Trauma, which can cause an increase in white blood cells and other changes in blood cell counts [ 5 ]
Diagnostic Approaches
To diagnose and manage these conditions, the following approaches may be used:
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, which can help identify changes in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets [ 3 ]
- Peripheral smear, which can provide information about the types and maturity of white blood cells [ 2 ]
- Clinical evaluation, which can help identify signs and symptoms of underlying conditions, such as infection or inflammation [ 2 ]