Leukopenia, or leukocytopenia, means a decrease in the number of leukocytes, or white blood cells. Their low level is very dangerous as it weakens the immune system. Then the risk of various infections increases, the body may not be able to fight it, which in extreme cases can be fatal. What are the causes and symptoms of leukopenia and how is it treated?

Leukopenia, leukocytopeniameans a decrease in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) below the established norm, i.e. 4 thousand. cells / µl.

Leukocytes are a type of blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus and are responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system. It is thanks to them that the body can fight viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Their deficiency increases the risk of developing serious infections, which can be fatal.

The largest number, i.e. 60-70% of all leukocytes, are neutrophils (or neutrophils), followed by lymphocytes.

The percentage of the remaining white blood cells is small (eosinophils: 2-4%; basophils: 0-1%; monocytes: 4-8%), therefore it is actually a neutrophil deficiency (expertly neutropenia ) and / or lymphocytes meansleukopenia .

Leukopenia (leukocytopenia) - causes

Leukocyte deficiencyis most often the result of an infection. While fighting it, leukocytes are used up and the body needs some time to produce new ones, which can result in transientleukopenia .

Complete absence of, or the presence of only a few, white blood cells is agranulocytosis, which is a life-threatening condition

Low white blood cell countcan also be the result of a variety of medical conditions such as:

  • bone marrow diseases - bone marrow aplasia, bone marrow fibrosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia
  • tumors, e.g. Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease),
  • autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
  • hyperthyroidism
  • parasitic diseases
  • tuberculosis
  • HIV / AIDS
  • hypersplenism (premature destruction of blood cells by the spleen)
  • Kostmann's syndrome (congenitala disorder involving decreased production of neutrophils)

People who have recently undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy may also struggle with leukocytosis.

Other possible causes of low white blood cell counts include deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals such as folate, copper, and zinc.

Some medications, such as painkillers and antiepileptics, some psychotropic drugs, medications for hyperthyroidism, as well as chemicals such as varnishes, paints, organic solvents, benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons (usually applies to people who are exposed to contact with these substances in connection with their profession).

Leukopenia (leukocytopenia) - symptoms

  • mouth ulcers and ulcers

People with these symptoms require urgent hospitalization

  • purulent skin lesions
  • low-grade fever or fever
  • enlarged cervical and submandibular lymph nodes
  • upper respiratory tract infections, e.g. angina or pneumonia

Leukopenia may be accompanied by weakness, nausea and vomiting, problems with concentration.

Leukopenia (leukocytopenia) - diagnosis

If leukopenia is suspected, blood tests are performed to assess the level of white blood cells.

Leukopenia (leukocytopenia) - treatment

Treatmentleukocytopeniadepends on its cause. If a specific disease is responsible for the deficiency of white blood cells, the focus should be on treating it. If, despite treatment, leukocyte levels do not return to normal, your doctor may decide to treat you with steroids.

In severe cases, treatment in hospital is required, where the patient is administered Granulocyte Growth Factor (G-CSF) or bone marrow.

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Cardiology