What is Neutropenia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis and Types

Neutropenia means that there aren't enough cells called neutrophils in the body. Neutrophils are immune system cells. They fight bacteria and other invaders when they get into your body.

Neutrophils are a kind of white blood cells. These cells develop within the bone marrow. Then, they move through your system to areas of infection, where they eat and kill the harmful germs.

What is Neutropenia?

Neutropenia means that there are fewer neutrophils in your blood than usual. Neutrophils are a form of white blood cell produced primarily by the bone marrow: white blood cells. Neutrophils specifically, combat infections in the body. Neutrophils eliminate viruses and microorganisms that induce diseases.

A lack of neutrophils makes it more difficult for the body to combat diseases and prevent infections. Even microorganisms that a healthy body usually tolerates can cause illness in extreme circumstances.

What are the symptoms of Neutropenia?

Most of the time, Neutropenia doesn't cause signs by itself. Some people don't find out they have Neutropenia until they get a blood test for something else. It is usually caused by chemotherapy. It is used to treat cancer and is even expected. But some people with Neutropenia may have other signs of illness or the problem causing it.

As a side effect of Neutropenia, infections can happen. Most of the time, they show up in places like the inside of the mouth and the skin.

This kind of illness can show up as:

• Ulcers and abscesses (which are pus-filled bumps).
• Rashes.
• Wounds that don't get better quickly.

Another usual sign of an infection is a fever. Most of the time, the exact reason for neutropenic fever can't be found. Most of the time, normal gut bugs get into the blood because the body's defences are weakened. Even if the cause of neutropenic fever can't be found, medicines are generally used to treat it. This is important because people with weak immune systems can get sick quickly.

What are the causes of Neutropenia?

Neutropenia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough neutrophils, when neutrophils degrade prematurely, or when neutrophils are destroyed.

Any of the following can cause Neutropenia:

Genetic conditions

Neutropenia-causing genetic abnormalities are transmissible from parents to offspring. Neutropenia can be inherited as cyclic Neutropenia, benign ethnic Neutropenia (BEN), or severe congenital Neutropenia.

Infections

Illnesses with viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause Neutropenia. HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, Lyme disease, sepsis, and other diseases are among the most common reasons.

Cancer

Neutropenia can be caused by cancer and other blood and bone marrow diseases, like leukaemia and lymphoma, that stop your body from making sufficient healthy white blood cells.

Medications

As a side effect, cancer medicines like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can hurt or kill neutrophils or the bone marrow that makes them. Low amounts of neutrophils can also be caused by medications that aren't for cancer.

Nutritional deficiencies

Neutropenia can happen if you don't get adequate vitamins or minerals in your food, like vitamin B12, folate, or copper.

Autoimmune deficiencies

When you have certain autoimmune diseases, your body makes antibodies that kill neutrophils that are good for you. Among the autoimmune diseases are lupus, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronic unexplained Neutropenia is a form of Neutropenia that doesn't have a clear reason.

What are the types of Neutropenia?

The following are the types of Neutropenia:

Congenital

At birth, congenital Neutropenia is present. The condition of serious congenital Neutropenia is also known as Kostmann syndrome. It causes extremely low neutrophil counts and, in some cases, neutrophil deficiency. This increases the risk of severe infections in neonates and young children.

Cyclic

Cyclic Neutropenia exists at birth, resulting in a 21-day cycle of fluctuating neutrophil counts. A few days of Neutropenia may be followed by typical levels throughout the remainder of the cycle. The cycle then continues.

Autoimmune

In autoimmune Neutropenia, the immune system produces antibodies that target neutrophils. These antibodies cause Neutropenia by killing neutrophils.

Autoimmune Neutropenia is most prevalent in neonates and young children, with an average age of 7 to 9 months at diagnosis.

Idiopathic

Idiopathic neutropenia may appear in people of any age and may happen to anyone. There is no known cause.

What are the treatments for Neutropenia?

Neutropenia doesn't always need to be treated. What's causing your low neutrophil count will determine what other treatments you can try.

Some possible treatments are:

Antibiotics

If you have Neutropenia and a fever called acute Neutropenia, antibiotics can save your life. Your doctor will probably put you in the hospital, where you'll get antibiotics through a line to fight infection and tests to find out if you have one.

Corticosteroids

Your provider might recommend cortisone if you have an autoimmune disease. These drugs can slow down or stop the defensive reaction in your body that is killing your neutrophils.

G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor). 

Your doctor may also give you medicines that help your bone marrow make more white blood cells. If you are also getting chemotherapy, you are likely to get G-CSF.

If your current medication leads to neutropenia, the physician may instruct you to discontinue the use of it or adjust the dosage that you are currently receiving.

Conclusion 

Your neutropenia symptoms will depend on the cause of your reduced neutrophil count. Once your body has recovered from a recent infection, your levels will likely revert to normal. If a long-term illness or chemotherapy causes your Neutropenia, your healthcare provider may track your levels regularly to prevent infection-related complications. Contact  Metropolis if you’re Neutropenia necessitates regular check-ups. The lab uses the latest equipment to give accurate results. You can also opt for a home sample collection.

Final takeaway

• Neutropenia can go on for weeks, months, or even years. When it lasts less than 3 months, it is called acute. It is said to be chronic if it continues for a significant amount of time.

• Lower neutrophil numbers can cause dangerous illnesses. If you don't treat these diseases, they could kill you.

• If you were born with severe hereditary Neutropenia, you are more likely to get other health problems. 

• About 20% of youths have leukaemia or a blood or bone marrow disease.

• The main goal of treating Neutropenia is to help you enjoy a normal life.