Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
Leukopenia is a dangerous condition because it means that your body is without defense against invaders. Neutropenia and lymphocytopenia are the most common forms of leucopenia.
Causes of leukopenia
Aplastic anemia: It’s a type of anemia that occurs due to bone marrow failure, and it affects all blood components, including white blood cells. It may be congenital or acquired.
Tumors and their treatment: Tumors like leukemia, multiple myeloma, or tumor metastases to bone marrow from any part of the body reduce the production of white blood cells. Also, cancer treatments -chemotherapy and radiotherapy- inhibit the bone marrow and reduce the production of white blood cells.
Infections: AIDS (HIV) and tuberculosis may cause leukopenia. Also, parvovirus inhibits bone marrow activity.
Hypersplenism (increased spleen activity): Normally, the spleen destroys blood cells at the end of their lifespan, or if they are abnormal. But in hypersplenism, it also destroys the normal blood cells leading to pancytopenia.
Autoimmune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis): These disorders make the immune system attack the own body tissues and cells, which may destroy the bone marrow and white blood cells.
Malnutrition: Low intake of some mineral (such as zinc and copper), vitamins (such as vitamin B12), and folic acid may cause leucopenia.
Medications: Some medication can affect bone marrow activity or the leucocytic function, such as:
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- Cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide (immune-suppressive drugs)
- Clozapine (antipsychotic)
- Bupropion (antidepressant)
- Interferons (used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis)
- Minocycline and penicillin (Antibiotics)
- Sodium valproate (antiepileptic)
- lamotrigine (anticonvulsant)
Symptoms of leukopenia
Leucopenia doesn’t exhibit specific symptoms. Its symptoms are due to the decreased power of the immune system and increased susceptibility to infection, which leads to symptoms, such as:
- Fever (temperature more than 38⁰c)
- Skin rash
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Malaise and fatigue
- Headache, toothache, and bony aches
Some organisms may enter the blood and release toxins, which lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
