Neutropenia
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Neutropenia is a low level of neutrophils in the blood[1]. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, that support the immune system to fight injection by ingesting and killing invading microorganisms[2]. Neutropenia is defined as less than 1500 neutrophils per micro-litre of blood. It can be classed as mild (1000 to 1500 neutrophils per micro-litre), moderate (500 to 1000 neutrophils per micro-litre) or severe (less than 500 neutrophils per micro-litre)[3]. Neutropenia leads to an increased risk of infection and this risk is directly correlated with how long a patient has been neutropenic and how severe the neutropenia is. [3].
Aetiology[edit | edit source]
Neutropenia can develop due to a wide range of one or more causes[4].
Neutropenia can be caused by[5]:
- Congenital neutropenia
- Infection
- Drug induced
- Autoimmune response
- Malignancy
- Dietary deficiencies
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Neutropenia itself is asymptomatic until an infection develops, whereby fever is the primary symptom[6]. Usual signs of inflammation and infection can occur but may be reduced in neutropenic patients, due to the reduced immune response[7].
Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]
- Subjective history
- Physical examination
- Full blood count including creatinine and CRP[7].
- Chest radiography for patients with respiratory symptoms[7].
Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
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Management / Interventions
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Differential Diagnosis
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Resources
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Copeland et al. Assessment of Neutropenia. BMJ. 2021
- ↑ Justiz Vaillant AA, Zito PM. Neutropenia. 2021 Nov 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 29939524.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Schwartzberg LS. Neutropenia: etiology and pathogenesis. Clin Cornerstone. 2006;8 Suppl 5:S5-11. doi: 10.1016/s1098-3597(06)80053-0. PMID: 17379162.
- ↑ Frater JL. How I investigate neutropenia. Int J Lab Hematol. 2020 Jun;42 Suppl 1:121-132. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.13210. PMID: 32543073
- ↑ Christopher Gibson, Nancy Berliner; How we evaluate and treat neutropenia in adults. Blood 2014; 124 (8): 1251–1258. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2014-02-482612
- ↑ M. Territo. Neutropenia. MSD Manual Professional Edition. 2021
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A. Urabe, Clinical Features of the Neutropenic Host: Definitions and Initial Evaluation, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 39, Issue Supplement_1, July 2004, Pages S53–S55, https://doi.org/10.1086/383055
