What is the cause of high white blood cells after 2 weeks of surgery?

Question
Hello doctor,
My father had coronary bypass surgery on the background of diabetes and high blood pressure 2 weeks ago, still in the emergency department. Currently, the white blood cell count is increasing day by day, there is no fever, many tests are done but no microorganisms causing the infection are found, and despite the strong dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics, they do not respond to antibiotics. I would like to ask why the high white blood cell count after 2 weeks of surgery is caused and how is it treated? Sincerely thank!
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Doctor Nguyen Luong Tan - Head of Cardiology Department - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “What is the cause of high white blood cells after 2 weeks of surgery? ", the doctor would like to answer as follows:
After 2 weeks of surgery, the white blood cells gradually increase, which is usually a sign of an infection including bacteria and fungi. It is important to fully evaluate the white blood cell count because each type of infection and each stage of infection can alter the white blood cell count differently. In addition, inflammatory markers such as CRP and procalcitonin must be evaluated.
Fever may be absent in some patients or due to the use of antipyretics. Especially when strong broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, the ability to find bacteria is very low. The assessment of response to antibiotic treatment must be based on many factors from physical condition to eating, sleeping, weight, organ function, biochemical tests... Normal coronary artery can walk in the ward after 24-48 hours. Patients need to stay in the hospital for 5-7 days after surgery. If the patient is still taking intravenous antibiotics for 2 weeks, the white blood cell is elevated, and the cause is not found, the danger or not depends on the patient's condition and the patient's prognosis assessment. It is necessary to identify the causative agent in order to know how to treat it.
Physicians consider a facility that routinely performs coronary angiography as one that is capable of identifying infectious or noninfectious agents and will provide appropriate treatment when the causative agent of leukocytosis is diagnosed. Currently, doctors do not have much information, so it is not possible to determine the exact treatment direction. You can contact Vinmec hospital to provide more information about your father's medical condition to a specialist for specific advice.
If you still have questions about elevated white blood cells, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wish you a lot of health.
Best regards!