What Causes Neutropenia?

Discussion Neuropenia is defined as a neutrophil count < 1500/µL. It is classified as mild from 1000-1500/µL, moderate from 500-1000/µL, and severe if < 500/µL. It is not uncommonly seen in the setting of acute self-limited infections, and with re-testing returns to normal. It is also not uncommon at certain ages, such as perinatally, especially in premature infants (up to 6%) . It is also common in certain ethnic groups particularly African American or Arabic populations where up to 10% of the children may have mild neutropenia which does not cause clinical disease. The overall prevalence and incidence are not known but some studies estimate it at 2 per million persons. Neutropenia can be thought of as an acute problem due to rapid neutrophil use or destruction, or decreased production of neutrophils. Chronic neutropenia is due to decreased production or splenic sequestration. Neutropenia can also be thought of as a primary or intrinsic problem due to primary myeloid cell production or an intrinsic defects. Secondary or acquired causes of neutropenia are usually due to infections, immune response, bone marrow infiltration or drugs. Clinical signs or symptoms of potential neutropenia include fever, oral ulcers, upper airway infections (e.g. otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis), respiratory (e.g. pneumonias) or perianal infections. Skin infections like cellulitis, paronychia, or furunculosis may also indicate neutropenia. Bacteremia or sep...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news