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Definition

Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of white blood cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils help the body fight infection. This article discusses neutropenia in infants.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Low levels of neutrophils occur when the bone marrow cannot replace them as fast as needed. A very severe infection may also prevent the bone marrow from producing more neutrophils.

In babies, the most common cause of neutropenia is infection.

Occasionally, an infant who is not sick will have a low neutrophil count for no apparent reason. Some disorders in the pregnant mother, such as preeclampsia, can also lead to neutropenia in infants.

Signs and tests

A small sample of the baby's blood will be sent to the laboratory for a complete blood count (CBC) and blood differential. A CBC reveals the number and type of cells in the blood. The differential helps determine the number of different types of white blood cells in a blood sample.

Treatment

The source of the infection should be identified and treated.

In many cases, nonsevere neutropenia goes away on its own as the bone marrow recovers and begins to produce enough white blood cells.

In rare cases when the neutrophil count is low enough to be life threatening, the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Medicines to stimulate white blood cell production
  • Antibodies from donated blood samples (intravenous immune globulin)
Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome of the baby depends on the underlying cause of the neutropenia. Some infections in newborns can be life threatening. However, most infections usually do not cause long-term side effects after the neutropenia goes away or is successfully treated.

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Related Questions

What is cyclic neutropenia?

Cyclic neutropenia is a condition of recurring shortages of white blood cells.


What does neutropenia mean?

Neutropenia is a low level of white blood cells (WBC), which are called neutrophils


What is the prognosis for a patient with neutropenia?

The prognosis for a patient with neutropenia depends on the underlying cause, severity, and how promptly it is treated. Mild neutropenia may have a good prognosis with proper management, while severe neutropenia can increase the risk of serious infections and complications. Regular monitoring and treatment by healthcare providers are essential for improving the prognosis of neutropenic patients.


Can neutropenia re-occur?

Yes, neutropenia can reoccur if the underlying cause is not identified and treated. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of neutropenia and develop a management plan to prevent recurrence. Regular monitoring of blood counts is typically necessary to detect any signs of returning neutropenia.


What are the symptoms of neutropenia?

Neutropenia has no specific symptoms except the severity of the patient's current infection. In severe neutropenia, the patient is likely to develop periodontal disease, oral and rectal ulcers, fever, and bacterial pneumonia. Fever.


What population groups tend to get neutropenia?

The normal level of neutrophils in human blood varies slightly by age and race. Infants have lower counts than older children and adults, and African Americans have lower counts than Caucasians or Asians.


What is the medical term meaning deficiency of neutrophils?

Neutropenia


What does a neutrophil count of 0.8 indicate?

neutropenia 800.


What is a blood disorder starting with the letter n?

neutropenia


Is pancytopenia the same as neutropenia?

No , pancytopenia is the loss of production of ALL blood coll types , red, white and platelets, neutropenia is the loss of a white cell , the neutropils only..


What is the combining form for decreased in the number of neutrophils called?

neutropenia


What causes Neutropenia?

Neutropenia (having too few neutrophils) could be caused by: * Decreased erythrocyte production * Premature destruction of white blood cells * Sequestration and Margination of White Blood Cells