🧬 What is Leukopenia?
Leukopenia is a condition where the white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood falls below the normal range.
White blood cells are essential components of the immune system, and their deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
📊 Normal WBC Range:
- Typically: 4,000 – 11,000 cells/mm³ (or 4–11 x10⁹/L)
- A count below this range is called leukopenia, and a very low neutrophil count is referred to as neutropenia.
🩺 Causes of Leukopenia:
1. Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia:
- Drugs like 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and Methotrexate (MTX) are cytotoxic and suppress bone marrow.
- These drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including bone marrow progenitor cells.
- Leukocyte counts typically drop to their lowest point (nadir) 7–14 days after chemotherapy.
2. Bone Marrow Disorders:
- Diseases like leukemia can impair white blood cell production directly.
3. Viral Infections:
- Viruses such as EBV, CMV, or HIV can suppress the bone marrow.
4. Autoimmune Diseases:
- The immune system may attack white blood cells or bone marrow precursors.
🧪 Why is Leukopenia Clinically Important?
- Increased Risk of Infections
- Especially when neutrophils are low, the patient becomes highly vulnerable.
- Chemotherapy May Need to Be Delayed or Reduced
- Interrupting therapy may reduce treatment effectiveness.
- Preventive Measures May Be Needed
- Antibiotic prophylaxis, isolation protocols
- Use of G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) to support recovery
🧭 Key Clinical Terms:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Leukopenia | Decrease in total WBC count |
| Neutropenia | Decrease in neutrophils (most infection-related WBC type) |
| Febrile Neutropenia | Presence of fever during neutropenia → medical emergency |
🧬 How is Leukopenia Monitored?
- Regular Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests are used.
- Neutrophil counts are closely followed, especially after chemotherapy cycles.
💊 Management Approaches:
- Mild Leukopenia: Often just observed without immediate intervention.
- Moderate to Severe Leukopenia:
- May require chemotherapy dose adjustments
- G-CSF (e.g., Filgrastim) can stimulate white blood cell production
- Antibiotics may be started if signs of infection arise
- Strict hygiene and isolation measures may be applied
This content was generated via Generative AI and edited by a human.
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