Immature Granulocytes: What Are They, Causes, and Treatments
What Are Immature Granulocytes
Immature granulocytes (IGs) are white blood cells that are in their early stages . These cells in their mature stages form neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. These mature granulocytes play an important role in the body’s immune response. The immature granulocytes are typically found in the bone marrow but can appear in the bloodstream under certain conditions.
Immature Granulocytes – Types
There are various types of immature granulocytes that are formed at the various stages of granulocyte development. These various types of granulocytes are as follows,
- Early stage granulocyte called Promyelocytes
- An intermediary stage in the transition from Immature granulocyte to mature granulocyte
- The last stage before the formation of mature granulocytes called Metamyelocytes.
These cells should not be present in the blood sample of healthy individuals. Their appearance often means that the immune response is responding to infection, inflammation, stress, or bone marrow disorders.
The best way to treat the presence of immature granulocytes is by addressing the root cause of the problem.
What is the natural range for the presence of immature granulocytes in blood
The presence of immature granulocytes is usually below 1% in healthy individuals. A higher Immature granulocyte count suggests an activated bone marrow response.
Causes of Immature Granulocytes
There are a lot of factors that can lead to the formation of Immature granulocytes. Some of these causes are as follows. The presence of excess immature granulocytes can be a sign of the following conditions –
- It can be a sign of severe bacterial, viral or fungal infection
- It could be a sign of severe inflammation caused by autoimmune disease, tissue injury or burns.
- It could be part of the body’s stress response as well.
How IGs Are Released Into The Bloodstream
Usually in case of stressors, infections and in case of diseases, the bone marrow releases an increased white blood cells (WBCs) to fight the threat. In severe cases, immature granulocytes are released. They are premature white blood cells that released on an emergency basis. Triggers for IG release are –
- Bacterial infections
- Inflammatory diseases
- Bone marrow disorders
- Tissue damage or trauma
Immature Granulocytes As A Marker For Disease
| Marker | Sensitivity | Early detection | Infection Specificity |
| IGs | High | Very Early | Bacterial infections |
| WBC Count | Low | Late | May not differentiate |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) | High | Slightly Delayed | Inflammation |
| Procalcitonin (PCT) | High | Early | Bacterial Infections |
The quick release of immature granulocytes makes them an early warning sign of sepsis, severe infections and other critical illnesses. With advancement in technology as well as a better understanding of immature granulocytes (IG), IG testing is a valuable tool in modern diagnostics.
Common Treatments Based On Causes
There are numerous factors that can cause elevated immature granulocytes levels. One of the reasons could be infections. These infections could be bacterial, viral or fungal in nature. For bacterial infections, the use of antibiotics may be helpful. In viral infections, mostly supportive care is recommended. In severe cases, antivirals may be needed. Antifungal medications may be used for the treatment of fungal infections. Along with this they are a sign of following as well.
- Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
- Severe stress, trauma, post surgery patient
- Bone marrow disorders
- It can also be a sign of cancer or chronic diseases.
In each of these cases, the treatment plan will depend on the cause of the disease.
When To Consult A Doctor
In case the immature granulocytes are elevated without a cause, a patient should consult a doctor. A doctor should be consulted if the increase in immature granulocytes is accompanied with fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or recurrent infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does it mean when immature granulocytes are high?
Ans. High level of immature granulocytes can mean multiple things. It can mean that the body is fighting an infection. In some cases, it can also be a sign of a chronic medical condition or cancer.
Q2. What cancers cause immature granulocytes?
Ans. Some form of cancers that cause immature granulocytes are Leukemia or bone marrow disorders.
Q3. What if granulocytes are low?
Ans. Low granulocytes can indicate a higher risk of infection.
Q4. अपरिपक्व granulocytes उच्च होने पर इसका क्या मतलब है?
Ans. रक्त में ग्रैन्यूलोसाइट्स (ग्रैनुलोसाइटोसिस) का उच्च स्तर एक संकेत हो सकता है कि आपका शरीर किसी संक्रमण से लड़ रहा है या एलर्जी की प्रतिक्रिया हो रही है। उच्च ग्रैन्यूलोसाइट्स किसी पुरानी चिकित्सीय स्थिति या रक्त कोशिकाओं के कैंसर का संकेत भी हो सकता है।
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