Neutropenia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Neutropenia refers to lower-than-normal levels of neutrophils in the blood. A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell that is produced mainly in the bone marrow. White blood cells in general, and neutrophils in particular, are important for infection control in the body.

Neutropenia can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of neutrophils in a sample of blood. By many standards, the lowest acceptable limit for adults is about 1,500 neutrophils per microliter of blood. (Some put the cut-off at 1,800 per microliter.) The range of neutrophil numbers in mild neutropenia is 1,000-1,500; the number in moderate neutropenia is 500-1,000; and the count in severe neutropenia is less than 500.

Neutropenia

Neutropenia can also be classified as acute (temporary or short-lasting) or chronic (long-lasting), congenital (a condition one is born with) or acquired (a condition that happens over a period of time).

Who is affected by neutropenia?

Neutropenia can happen to anyone. It sometimes results from an infection, but it is also often a result of treatment for cancer. It is estimated that 50 percent of the people who get chemotherapy will develop neutropenia.

Some ethnic groups may have neutrophil counts in the 1,200 range that are considered normal for them.

What are the causes of neutropenia?

Neutropenia happens for one of these reasons: the neutrophils are used up or destroyed faster than they are produced, or the bone marrow does not make enough neutrophils in the first place. There are many factors that fall into these two categories.

Neutropenia can be caused by:

Infections, including hepatitis, tuberculosis, sepsis, or Lyme disease
Medications, including chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is one of the most common causes of neutropenia.
Cancer and other blood and/or bone marrow disorders
Deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin B12, folate, or copper
Autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis

What are the symptoms of neutropenia?

Neutropenia, especially in its mild form, may not have symptoms. If symptoms exist, they could include:

Fever
Sores
Swelling
Repeated infections

How will a doctor diagnose neutropenia?

The most common test is a simple blood test known as a complete blood count. In some cases, such as when a certain disease is suspected, the doctor might want to test your bone marrow.

What are the treatments for neutropenia?

Some types of neutropenia might require no treatment. However, in the case of neutropenia with fever (febrile neutropenia), treatment is necessary. Your doctor will prescribe drugs to fight the infection, such as antibiotics. If you do develop febrile neutropenia, your doctor is likely to admit you to the hospital. You may get your antibiotics intravenously (through a vein). Treating this type of neutropenia is important. Not treating febrile neutropenia could result in death.

If neutropenia is caused by medication, your doctor might tell you to stop the medication. If the cause is an underlying disease, that condition must be treated (as in the case of a vitamin deficiency). Your doctor might prescribe corticosteroids if you have an autoimmune disorder.

Your doctor might also prescribe drugs that promote the production of white blood cells. These drugs, usually given as shots are called growth factors, or colony-stimulating factors.

How can you prevent neutropenia?

In general, it is not possible to prevent neutropenia, especially the types that you are born with. However, if you are having chemotherapy, your doctor may suggest getting injections of growth factors to promote white blood cell production. In addition, chemotherapy dosages could be delayed, or the timing changed.

How can you prevent infections if you have neutropenia?

Preventing infections if you have or are liable to develop neutropenia is key. These suggestions should help:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash your hands before and after you eat, after you use the toilet, after touching pets or things outside of your house, and after you cough or sneeze.
Keep and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you when you leave the house.
Make sure you get the flu shot as early as you can, if your doctor says you can do this.
Stay away from crowds of people and people who are sick.
Do not share eating utensils, cups, food or beverages with other people.
Do not share towels, razors or toothbrushes with other people.
Wash raw fruits and vegetables.
Keep raw meats, fish and poultry away from other foods.
Use hot water and soap to clean the kitchen surfaces before you start cooking.
Cook foods completely to the proper temperature.
Use gloves if you are gardening in the dirt or working in the yard.
It is best to not pick up pet waste. If you have to do so, use gloves. Wash your hands when you are done.
Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth at least two times per day.
Take a shower each day. Use lotion so your skin does not dry out and crack.
Eat a healthy diet.
Tell your doctor if you might need dental work so he or she can prescribe antibiotics before the work is done, if necessary.
Do not get body piercings or tattoos.
Do not swim in lakes or ponds.
Avoid becoming constipated if you can.