What is Leukopenia

Leukopenia is a condition in which you have a low number of white blood cells. White blood cells help the body to fight infections. The number of white blood cells in the body varies from person to person.

There are five types of white blood cells. Two types (lymphocytes and neutrophils) make up most of the white blood cell count. When lymphocytes are low, the condition is called lymphocytopenia. When neutrophils are low, it is called neutropenia. Neutropenia is the most dangerous type of leukopenia because it can lead to dangerous infections.

What are the causes?

This condition is commonly caused by damage to soft tissue inside of the bones (bone marrow), which is where most white blood cells are made. Bone marrow can get damaged by:

• Medicine or X-ray treatments for cancer (chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
• Serious infections.
• Cancer of the white blood cells (leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma).
• Medicines, including:
  • Certain antibiotics.
  • Certain heart medicines.
  • Steroids.
  • Certain medicines used to treat diseases of the immune system (autoimmune diseases), like rheumatoid arthritis.

Leukopenia also happens when white blood cells are destroyed after leaving the bone marrow, which may result from:

• Liver disease.
• Autoimmune disease.
• Vitamin B deficiencies.

What are the signs or symptoms?

One of the most common signs of leukopenia, especially severe neutropenia, is having a lot of bacterial infections. Different infections have different symptoms. An infection in your lungs may cause coughing. A urinary tract infection may cause frequent urination and a burning sensation. You may also get infections of the blood, skin, rectum, throat, sinuses, or ears.

Some people have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes).
• Painful mouth ulcers.
• Gum disease.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history.
• A physical exam to check for swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. Your spleen is an organ on the left side of your body that stores white blood cells.
• Tests, such as:
  • A complete blood count. This blood test counts each type of white cell.
  • Bone marrow aspiration. Some bone marrow is removed to be checked under a microscope.
  • Lymph node biopsy. Some lymph node tissue is removed to be checked under a microscope.
  • Other types of blood tests or imaging tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment of leukopenia depends on the cause. Some common treatments include:

• Antibiotic medicine to treat bacterial infections.
• Stopping medicines that may cause leukopenia.
• Medicines to stimulate neutrophil production (hematopoietic growth factors), to treat neutropenia.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes supplements and vitamins.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Preventing infection is important if you have leukopenia. To prevent infection:
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Do not eat uncooked or undercooked meats.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
  • Do not eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products.
  • Get regular dental care, and maintain good dental hygiene. You should visit the dentist at least once every 6 months.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have chills or a fever.
• You have symptoms of an infection.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever that lasts for more than 2–3 days.
• You have symptoms that last for more than 2–3 days.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain.