Immature Granulocytes

Granulocytes are white blood cells with granules in the them. This includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Assessing the immature granulocytes can be a vital diagnostic tool for overall maternal immune responses and overall health. ​By assessing immature granulocytes alongside other parameters, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about management of pregnancy complications and ensure optimal outcomes for mom and baby. 

Immature Granulocyte Testing

The immature granulocyte count tells you the total count of young granulocytes in the sample. The immature granulocyte percentage tells you what percentage of white blood cell count is made up of young granulocytes. It is often found in the complete blood count (CBC) with differential panel, but not always.

Granulocytes are white blood cells in granules in them. These cells include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Generally immature granulocytes are found only in the bone marrow, in certain situations these immature cells are released into circulation to finish maturing.

Immature Granulocytes in Pregnancy

​Outside of pregnancy, having immature granulocytes in the bloodstream is a sign of disease. It is commonly seen in allergic reactions, acute infections, and inflammation. In pregnancy, having immature granulocytes is a normal presentation. Immature granulocytes increase in pregnancy, becoming significantly higher in the second and third trimesters. These ranges also increase with age. This increase is due to a higher cell turnover of neutrophils.

Immature granulocyte release into the bloodstream continues for up to 8 weeks postpartum.

High Immature Granulocytes in Pregnancy

Limited Resaerch.
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When assessing the cause of abnormally high or low values of immature granulocytes, it is important to consider the entire differential. Because the immature granulocyte test is a combination of all young granulocytes, determining the cause may be determining which granulocytes are elevated.

Causes of High Immature Granulocytes in Pregnancy

• Infections (Acute and Chronic)
• Generalized Allergies/Asthma
• Autoimmune Disease
• Systemic Inflammation
• Acute Tissue Damage/Physical Trauma
• Hyperthyroidism
• Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
• Iron Overload/Hemochromatosis
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
• Adrenal Hyperfunction
• Certain Medications (Glucocorticoids)
• Stress
• Irregular Sleep Patterns
• Dehydration
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Polycythemia
• Pesticide Exposure
• Environmental Chemical Exposure
• Heavy Metal Exposure
• Cancer

Low Immature Granulocytes in Pregnancy

Limited Research.
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Decreased immature granulocyte production may be due to a decrease in all granulocytes or of a specific granulocyte. Assessing the rest of the complete blood count, and white blood cell differential is beneficial in determining etiology. 

Causes of Low Immature Granulocytes in Pregnancy

• Chronic Infections
• Autoimmune Disease
• Systemic Inflammation
• Hypothyroidism
• Stress
• Adrenal Dysfunction
• Low Progesterone
• Hypothyroidism
• Nutritional Deficiencies (Vitamin D, zinc, copper, magnesium, B12, folate)
• Dysbiosis
• Certain Medications (Antibiotic Use)
• Advanced Maternal Age
• Excessive Intense Exercise
• Chronic Mycotoxin Exposure
• Environmental Toxin Exposure​
• Genetics
• Cancer

Want to Know More...

Advanced Lab Analysis in Pregnancy

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The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. ​

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