Neutropenia (low neutrophils)

What is neutropenia? How is it treated?

- No name / No state given

Answer

Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils — a type of white blood cell — in the blood. White blood cells help fight bacterial infections. Neutropenia isn't a specific disease but a sign of an underlying problem.

Mild neutropenia usually causes no symptoms. It may be found incidentally on a blood test done for some other reason. Severe neutropenia increases the risk of infection of the lungs, kidneys, blood and skin.

Neutropenia has many causes, including:

• Side effect of certain medications, such as diuretics or antibiotics
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Some viral infections, such as mononucleosis or AIDS
• Certain bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis
• Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of neutropenia when possible.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Leukemia
• Aplastic anemia