Home :: Family Health :: Agranulocytosis And Neutropenia Agranulocytosis And Neutropenia - Agranulocytosis And Neutropenia symptom, treatment, causes
Agranulocytosis is the total absence of granulocytes (granular white blood cells) from the circulation; neutropenia is an abnormal reduction in their number. These conditions result from decreased production or (less commonly) an increased rate of destruction of granulocytes. Both cause lowered resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
Agranulocytosis is a condition in which there is an insufficient number of white blood cells called neutrophils or granulocytes . It is sometimes used interchangeably with the term leukopenia . This can be caused by a failure of the bone marrow to make sufficient neutrophils or when white blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. However, neutropenia is more properly considered a subset of leukopenia as a whole. Acquired agranulocytosis may be caused by a variety of drugs. Affected people are susceptible to infections. Most agranulocytosis and neutropenia occurs because the production of white cells by the bone marrow is suppressed by drugs or poisons.
Most agranulocytosis and neutropenia occurs because the production of white cells by the bone marrow is suppressed by drugs or poisons. Red cell and platelet production may also be affected.
More information on Agranulocytosis & Neutropenia
Radiotherapy and some drugs used in cancer treatment predictably suppress bone marrow function because they can kill any rapidly multiplying cells. When agranulocytosis or neutropenia develops during the use of other drugs, it is usually a rare, unexpected adverse reaction that is not related to the dose or duration of treatment. Drugs that have been associated with these reactions include some antibiotics, some major tranquillisers, and certain drugs that increase urine production.
Diseases that may cause reduced production of granulocytes include Teukaemia and some severe bacterial or viral irifections. Some immune disorders and some drugs can lead to the increased destruction of granulocytes. Rarely, neutropenia results from hereditary disorders of granulocyte production.
Symptom of Agranulocytosis & Neutropenia
Symptoms of acute neutropenia or agranulocytosis include rapid onset of fever, sore throat, and painful ulcers in the mouth and around the anus. Pneumonia often develops and SEPTI-CAEMIA (blood-poisoning) and collapse due to overwhelming infection can follow.
Treatment of Agranulocytosis & Neutropenia
Stopping any drugs that might be causing the problem, treating other causes if possible, vigorous broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and intensive care nursing are advised. In most cases the bone marrow recovers and the granulocyte count returns to normal within days. If recovery is slow, transfusion of granulocytes may be necessary
|
