Neutropenia is the condition characterized by the abnormally low level of neutrophils which are a type of white blood cells. These blood cells are made in the bone marrow found inside larger bones of the body. Neutrophils are essential to help fight off infections by destroying the harmful bacteria, virus, fungi or the yeast. Among healthy people, counts of less than 1,500 neutrophils per microliter of blood are considered to have this condition. Among the children, the neutrophil count indicating this condition can vary with age. When the neutrophil count is less, it can even result in the normal bacteria from the mouth and the digestive tract to cause serious infections. Individuals receiving cancer treatment are particularly at high risk of developing this condition that has the potential to developing serious infections.
Causes
The common cause of this condition is the cancer chemotherapy. Other causes can also result in this condition which can disrupt the neutrophil production. Some of the causes include Kostmann’s syndrome, leukemia, alcohol use disorder, myelodysplastic syndrome, vitamin deficiencies and chronic idiopathic neutropenia in adults. Some of the infections that can also result in this condition include hepatitis (A, B and C), malaria, lyme disease, salmonella infection, sepsis, HIV/AIDS and viral infections affecting the bone marrow. Other conditions that can destroy the neutrophils in the bloodstream can also result in this condition that can include hypersplenism, medications such as antibiotics and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
The condition mostly may not cause any symptoms although some of the affected individuals may experience fatigue. Alternatively, when an individual experiences various infections, it can present a fever, chills or sweating, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain near the anus, burning sensation with urination, cough, shortness of breath and an unusual vaginal discharge.
Diagnosis
Neutropenia is diagnosed based on the blood cell count from the blood test. To determine the specific cause of the condition, various diagnostic tests may also be necessary. In some case a bone marrow biopsy may be required that involves the removal of a small sample of the affected tissue to determine the cause of the condition.
Treatment
The treatment is based on providing a relief from the symptoms. If this condition develops because of chemotherapy, affected individuals may not require treatment as the bone marrow has only temporarily stopped working and the neutrophils can return to normal level after a while. It is also important to prevent the onset of infection by avoiding contact with individuals with the flu or other illness and washing the hands frequently particularly after using the restroom. In some cases, antibiotics may be recommended to prevent the onset of infections among individuals with the prolonged neutropenia.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/neutropenia/basics/definition/sym-20050854
http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/neutropenia
http://www.neutropenia.ca/about/what-is-neutropenia
