Neutropenia
What is neutropenia?
"Neutropenia" is a condition of an abnormally low
number of a
type of a particular type of white blood cell called a
neutrophil. White
blood cells (leukocytes) are the cells in the blood that play
important
roles in the body's immune by fighting off infection. Because
white blood
cells can be affected by many diseases, doctors will often
check the "white
blood cell count" in evaluating health conditions.
The normal white blood cells are of different types and include
neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and
basophils. The
average blood concentration (cells per cubic mm) for each type
are:
neutrophils (3650); lymphocytes (2500); monocytes (430);
eosinophils
(150); basophils (30). Neutrophils function by actually killing
and eating
up microorganisms that invade our bodies.
"Neutropenia" is
present when the neutophil count is less than 2000.
What conditions are associated with
neutropenia?
Neutropenia can be present (though it is relatively uncommon)
in normal
healthy individuals, notably in blacks and Yemenite Jews.
Causes of neutropenia from disease can be categorized as resulting
from decreased production of white blood cells, destruction of white
blood cells after they are produced, or pooling of white blood cells
(accumulation of the white blood cells out of the circulation).
Diseases causing decreased production of white blood cells include
drug toxicity, vitamin deficiencies, and medical
diseases
such as blood diseases, infections (virus diseases,
tuberculosis, typhoid), abnormalities of the
bone marrow disorders, or be cyclic (varying in severity week
to week,
month to month, perhaps related to biorhythms). Destruction of
white blood cells can occur as a result of antibodies attacking the
cells (such as in Felty's syndrome) or from drugs stimulating the
immune system to attack the cells. Pooling of white blood cells
occurs with some overwhelming infections, heart-lung bypass during
heart surgery, and hemodialysis.
Last Editorial Review: 12/1/2005
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
- Felty's Syndrome - Read about the conditions of Felty's syndrome (rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, an abnormally low white blood count), its symptoms and treatment.
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