Leukopenia - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Leukopenia is a reduction in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) that circulate in the blood.

White blood cells are the body's main defense against aggression from external microorganisms. Consequently, in the event of a decrease, the immune function is considerably reduced and may be ineffective.

We talk about leukopenia when the number of leukocytes falls below 4000 units per microlitre of peripheral blood; within certain limits, it can be considered constitutional, but if the deficiency is large it predisposes to infections. In general, among the various types of white blood cells, the most frequent situation involves a decrease in circulating neutrophils (neutropenia), although a reduced number of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils or basophils may also contribute. In fact, forms of leukopenia can be distinguished from a single leukocyte population and generalized forms.

The causes are numerous. More commonly, leukopenia is found in infections (eg HIV / AIDS, hepatitis B, dengue, malaria, etc.), autoimmune disorders (eg systemic lupus erythematosus and myasthenia gravis), diseases with effects on the bone marrow (including : aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, lymphoproliferative disorders and leukemia). Low white blood cells can result from rheumatoid arthritis, folate deficiency or vitamin B12, zinc deficiency, alcohol abuse and thermal injury. Leucopenia can also be induced by the continued use of certain drugs (such as antibiotics, diuretics and immunosuppressants), cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, exposure to toxins and lead and mercury poisoning.