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Leukopenia is a too low number of leukocytes, i.e. white blood cells. Their number is determined in the blood count. Leukopenia is dangerous because it weakens the immune system. As a result, it can lead to an increase in the number of infections that our body is unable to fight. What could be the causes of leukopenia?
Leukopenia is when the white blood cell count drops below 4 in morphology. cells / µl. In this state, the body is unable to defend itself against infections. Untreated leukopenia can even lead to death in extreme cases.
Leukopenia – leukocytes
Leukocytes are white blood cells that are produced by the bone marrow and that also mature in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus. They are responsible for fighting various types of infections caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Thanks to them, the immune system works properly. If their number decreases, the body cannot cope with severe infections that can even lead to death.
It is also worth emphasizing that leukocytes are a group of cells consisting of granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. If we talk about leukopenia, we are referring to a decrease in the total number of leukocytes without dividing them into individual fractions, which can be checked in a thorough blood test.
Among leukocytes, the most numerous are neutrophils (60-70%) and lymphocytes. Other white blood cells account for a low percentage of their total number, therefore leukopenia is usually caused by a decline in lymphocytes and neutrophils.
Leukopenia – causes
The cause of leukopenia is a deficiency of leukocytes, e.g. after an infection. During illness, their numbers naturally decline as leukocytes are used up and new ones take time to produce. Such leukopenia is therefore of a temporary nature.
It is a life-threatening condition if low or no leukocytes are found in the morphology. It is known as agranulocytosis.
Leukopenia can be the result of serious diseases, but not only that. The causes of leukopenia include:
- chronic diseases of the marrow and blood, such as leukemia, bone marrow fibrosis;
- tumors, e.g., Hodgkin’s disease;
- poisoning with chemical substances, e.g. paint, solvent;
- autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis;
- hyperthyroidism;
- diseases caused by parasites;
- tuberculosis;
- HIV/AIDS;
- diseases causing enlargement of the spleen;
- hypersplenism, that is, premature destruction of blood cells by the spleen;
- Kostmann’s syndrome, which is a disorder involving decreased production of neutrophils;
- severe malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies;
- stress;
- long-term use of certain medications, e.g. painkillers.
Leukopenia can also be a result of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Leukopenia – symptoms
Leukopenia is most often manifested by the appearance of mouth ulcers and ulcers. Often, the patient also feels fatigue, problems with concentration and a decrease in well-being.
However, some of the symptoms of leukopenia are so severe that hospitalization may be necessary. A doctor should be consulted if:
- skin lesions filled with pus will appear on the skin;
- prolonged low-grade fever and fever;
- the cervical or submandibular lymph nodes increase;
- you develop an upper respiratory infection such as angina.
Leukopenia – diagnosis
Leukopenia is diagnosed by taking blood tests, or complete blood counts. One of the parameters assessed in it is WBC, i.e. the number of white blood cells (White Blood Cells). Already on the basis of this simple and basic examination, the doctor can make further treatment decisions.
Leukopenia – treatment
Leukopenia can have various causes. If your low white blood cell count is caused by a specific disease, your doctor will focus on treating it. It happens that after recovery, leukopenia does not go away. Then the doctor usually starts treatment with steroids.
Very severe cases of leukopenia require hospitalization. In the hospital, the patient is given a growth factor for granulocytes or bone marrow.
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