Neutropenia

Description Neutropenia is an a...

Description

Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of white blood cells called neutrophils, also known as granulocytes. Decreased numbers of neutrophils result in an increased risk of infection for the affected individuals. Neutropenia is defined as less than 1500 neutrophils per microliter. It is seen most often in people receiving chemotherapy. It's also a rare side effect of many other types of drugs. Some infections also cause neutropenia. When caused by a drug or infection, the neutrophils almost always go back up when the drug is stopped or infection resolves. There are some rare inherited disorders that cause neutropenia.

Symptoms

Most often there are no symptoms. The low neutrophil count will be noted on a blood test. If there is an infection present, the most common symptom is fever. Other symptoms depend on the site of infection.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and possibly imaging tests may be performed, depending on the symptoms. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed.

Tests:
Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, Urine Culture, Chest X-ray

Other Specific Tests: liver function tests, ANA (antinuclear antibody). RF (rheumatoid factor), Serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) studies

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

Treatment involves careful hygiene to avoid infectious disease exposure. If a drug is suspected as the cause of neutropenia, it should be stopped. Anti-microbial therapy may be started in neutropenic patients with fever or obvious infection. A medicine to stimulate the bone marrow to make more neutrophils may be used. They are called granulocyte colony-stimulating factors.