open access

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)
Review paper
Submitted: 2021-03-07
Accepted: 2021-03-14
Published online: 2021-06-21
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Changes in complete blood count parameters influenced by endocrine disorders

Ewelina Szczepanek-Parulska1, Martyna Adamska1, Oliwia Korda1, Weronika Kosicka1, Dagmara Skowrońska1, Anna Świejkowska1, Dominika Tuzimek1, Daniela Dadej1, Aleksandra Krygier1, Marek Ruchała1
·
Pubmed: 34292577
·
Endokrynol Pol 2021;72(3):261-270.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

open access

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)
Review Article
Submitted: 2021-03-07
Accepted: 2021-03-14
Published online: 2021-06-21

Abstract

Complete blood count is one of the most common diagnostic methods used in everyday practice. Hormonal status is known to affect blood count parameters. The aim of this study is to summarize changes in blood count that may indicate endocrine disorders, based on a literature review. Red cell parameters deteriorate in thyroid disorders including autoimmune thyroiditis and tend to resolve with appropriate treatment implementation. The most frequent form of anaemia associated with thyroid dysfunction is normocytic anaemia.

Macrocytic anaemia is more typical of autoimmune thyroiditis-induced hypothyroidism, while microcytic anaemia is more common in hyperthyroidism. Unexplained anaemia or an increase in red cell distribution width should prompt the investigation of thyroid disorders. Cushing’s disease may manifest as an increase in white blood cells and platelets. In the blood smear, neutrophilia is often present, while lymphocytes and eosinophils may be within the lower normal range. Hypercortisolism may induce both hyperaemia and anaemia. In hypopituitarism, a decrease in red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets is observed. Acromegaly may be accompanied by an increase in mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes.

Testosterone deficiency is manifested by a decrease in red cell parameters,
whereas hyperandrogenism may lead to polycythaemia. In polycystic ovary syndrome an increase in white blood cell count reflects an underlying inflammatory state. Complete blood count analysis is an easily available and cost-effective additional tool in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of endocrine disorders. 

Abstract

Complete blood count is one of the most common diagnostic methods used in everyday practice. Hormonal status is known to affect blood count parameters. The aim of this study is to summarize changes in blood count that may indicate endocrine disorders, based on a literature review. Red cell parameters deteriorate in thyroid disorders including autoimmune thyroiditis and tend to resolve with appropriate treatment implementation. The most frequent form of anaemia associated with thyroid dysfunction is normocytic anaemia.

Macrocytic anaemia is more typical of autoimmune thyroiditis-induced hypothyroidism, while microcytic anaemia is more common in hyperthyroidism. Unexplained anaemia or an increase in red cell distribution width should prompt the investigation of thyroid disorders. Cushing’s disease may manifest as an increase in white blood cells and platelets. In the blood smear, neutrophilia is often present, while lymphocytes and eosinophils may be within the lower normal range. Hypercortisolism may induce both hyperaemia and anaemia. In hypopituitarism, a decrease in red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets is observed. Acromegaly may be accompanied by an increase in mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes.

Testosterone deficiency is manifested by a decrease in red cell parameters,
whereas hyperandrogenism may lead to polycythaemia. In polycystic ovary syndrome an increase in white blood cell count reflects an underlying inflammatory state. Complete blood count analysis is an easily available and cost-effective additional tool in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of endocrine disorders. 

Get Citation

Keywords

complete blood count; endocrine diseases; hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism; acromegaly; Cushing’s disease

About this article
Title

Changes in complete blood count parameters influenced by endocrine disorders

Journal

Endokrynologia Polska

Issue

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

261-270

Published online

2021-06-21

Page views

2941

Article views/downloads

4309

DOI

10.5603/EP.a2021.0059

Pubmed

34292577

Bibliographic record

Endokrynol Pol 2021;72(3):261-270.

Keywords

complete blood count
endocrine diseases
hyperthyroidism
hypothyroidism
acromegaly
Cushing’s disease

Authors

Ewelina Szczepanek-Parulska
Martyna Adamska
Oliwia Korda
Weronika Kosicka
Dagmara Skowrońska
Anna Świejkowska
Dominika Tuzimek
Daniela Dadej
Aleksandra Krygier
Marek Ruchała

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