3. Bandemia and Inflammatory Disorders
Bandemia is not exclusive to infections; it is also a common feature in various inflammatory disorders. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can lead to the release of band cells as part of the body’s response to ongoing inflammation.
In chronic inflammatory conditions, bandemia can persist over time, providing a useful marker for monitoring the disease’s activity. Elevated band cell counts in such scenarios reflect the degree of inflammation and can guide treatment adjustments.
Treating the underlying inflammatory disorder often leads to a reduction in bandemia. Medications that effectively control inflammation, such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), can decrease band cell counts, mirroring the treatment’s effectiveness.
In the diagnostic process, bandemia can serve as a clue pointing towards an inflammatory etiology, especially when infections have been ruled out. This indicator is particularly valuable when combined with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments in forming a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition. (3)
