Leukopenia is characterized by a deficiency in the level of a type of circulating blood cell called leukocytes. It is therefore called a hematological pathology. These cells are in particular part of the white blood cells. (1)

These white blood cells are constituents of the immune system in humans and are of several types:

– neutrophils: which allow the body to defend itself against bacteria and fungal infections.

– lymphocytes: which are producers of antibodies making it possible to fight against foreign elements in the human body.

– monocytes: which also help in the production of antibodies.

– eosinophils: which allow the body to fight against infectious agents of the parasite type.

– basophils: which respond to allergenic elements.

Leukopenia can be the result of an abnormal level for each of these cell categories.

In the sense that there is a deficiency in the number of leukocytes in the body, the subject’s immune system is affected and therefore carries a greater risk of infections. (2)

The “normal” level of leukocytes in the blood should generally not be less than 3,5 * 10 (9) per liter of blood. A lower rate is often the result of leukopenia. (4)

Leukopenia is too often confused with neutropenia. Wrongly, since neutropenia is characterized by a decrease in the production of white blood cells by the increase in their use by the body when taking drugs, malignant tumor, etc. (1)

Symptoms associated with leukopenia vary depending on the type of leukocytes that are found to be deficient. (2)

Anemia remains the symptom most often associated with leukopenia. The anemic subject feels intense fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath when performing exercises, difficulty concentrating, pale skin, muscle cramps or even insomnia. (3)

Menorrhagia in women, corresponding to an abnormal flow of blood during menstruation. Menstrual periods become longer. In the case of menorrhagia, it is advisable that the woman consult the doctor as soon as possible. Indeed, this can also be the sign of a serious infection, even of cancer. (3)

Other symptoms, such as severe fatigue, irritable moods, headaches, and migraines are characteristic of leukopenia.

In addition, the weakened immune system, the patient suffering from leukopenia is at greater risk of developing certain infections. These infections can be of bacterial, viral, parasitic or resulting from the proliferation of fungi.

Inflammation of the stomach, intestines, etc. can also be symptoms of leukopenia. (3)

In more severe cases of leukopenia, one can also observe fever, swelling in the glands, pneumonia, thrombocytopenia (abnormal amount of blood platelets), or liver abscesses. (2)

Leukopenia can be caused by many factors. (2)

It can be a disease, congenital or acquired, affecting the bone marrow. As the bone marrow is affected, the stem cells produced there (hematopoietic stem cells), which are the source of the production of blood cells, can therefore no longer be produced. In this sense, it creates a deficiency in the production of blood cells in the affected subject and can cause serious consequences.

Some of these diseases are characteristic of the development of leukopenia, such as:

– myelodisplastic syndrome;

– Kostmann’s syndrome (severe neutropenia of genetic origin);

– hyperplasia (abnormally large production of cells constituting a tissue or an organ.);

– diseases of the immune system, the most common of which is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS);

– infections affecting the bone marrow;

– liver or spleen failure.

Leukopenia can also be caused by taking certain medications. Among these are generally cancer treatments (mainly those used against leukemia). In addition, we can cite antidepressants, certain antibiotics, antiepileptics, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids or even antipsychotics.

Other factors can also cause leukocyte deficiency. These are vitamin and / or mineral deficiencies, undernourishment or even stress.

The risk factors for developing this type of disease are the diseases mentioned above, mainly affecting the bone marrow or the liver and spleen.

Other factors of everyday life can originate from a leukocyte deficiency, such as a sedentary life, an unbalanced diet or even an undernourishment, etc.

The diagnosis of leukopenia can be made from a simple physical examination, through abnormalities in the spleen and / or lymph nodes (places where leukocytes are produced).

But also thanks to a blood count, a bone marrow aspiration or a lymph node biopsy (2)

Treatment of leukopenia is usually done by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Or, by stimulation of the bone marrow. Steroids (hormones secreted by the endocrine glands) are often used to stimulate the production of this type of cell. (3)

A vitamin intake (vitamin B) may also be advised in the case of leukopenia. This is because these vitamins are closely linked to the production of bone marrow cells.

Or treatments based on cytokines, a protein that regulates cell activity. (2)

Added to this stimulation of the bone marrow, the patient suffering from leukopenia must follow a treatment allowing him to fight against infectious diseases (antibiotics, chemotherapy). This kind of treatment is often combined with stimulation of the immune system. (3)