What is leukopenia?

Leukopenia is a blood condition characterized by a low production of leukocytes, also known as white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

Low White Blood Cell Count

When you have a low leukocyte count, your body is more prone to infections and diseases.

If not diagnosed and treated in time, leukopenia can have serious health consequences because it weakens the immune system, making you susceptible to recurrent infections.

A number of conditions can lead to leukopenia, such as:

• Bone marrow conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies (lack of minerals, proteins, and vitamins)
• Genetic diseases such as Kostmann syndrome or severe congenital neutropenia
• Taking certain medications
• Severe infections
• Liver or spleen failure
• Immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Cancer treatments

Symptoms of Leukopenia

In many cases, leukopenia does not directly cause obvious symptoms, but it can manifest through signs related to frequent or persistent infections.

Some of the most common symptoms include fever, fatigue, general weakness, night sweats, and chills. This is because the immune system cannot respond properly to pathogens.

Additionally, people with leukopenia may experience mouth sores, swollen gums, or pain when swallowing. This can be an indication of opportunistic infections.

Respiratory, urinary, or skin infections that take longer than usual to heal are also common.

In severe cases, a seemingly mild infection can progress rapidly and become a serious condition. For this reason, it is essential that those with leukopenia are under medical supervision and receive immediate care at the first sign of infection.

Leukopenia is generally diagnosed with a complete blood count (CBC). This blood test measures the total amount of white blood cells and determines if the levels are below the normal range.

If a person’s leukocyte count is less than 4,000 per microliter of blood, it typically indicates leukopenia, although this value can vary slightly from lab to lab.

The proportion of different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) is also evaluated. This can help doctors identify if there is a specific decrease in any of them, which can point to an underlying cause.

Once a low leukocyte count has been confirmed, the doctor may order additional tests to determine the origin of the problem. This can include tests to detect viral infections like HIV, hepatitis, or Epstein-Barr; bone marrow studies are indicated if a hematological condition is suspected; or tests to evaluate nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or medication side effects.

Reaching an accurate diagnosis is essential for directing the appropriate treatment, as leukopenia itself is more of a symptom than a disease.

Treatment for leukopenia varies depending on the underlying cause. If the decrease in the white blood cell count is the result of a viral infection, specific treatment may not be required, as the levels may return to normal once the infection has been treated.

In cases where leukopenia is related to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid, appropriate supplementation is recommended.

If the cause is a medication, the doctor may adjust the dose or change the treatment to prevent it from continuing to affect leukocyte production.

For more severe or chronic cases, such as those in patients with autoimmune conditions or cancer, medications can be used to help stimulate the production of white blood cells.

It is also important to take measures to prevent infections, such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and, if necessary, using preventive antibiotics.

Continuous medical care is key to monitoring the progression of leukopenia and adjusting management based on each patient’s specific needs.

At the Internal Medicine department at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!