Agranulocytosis – Granulocytopenia – Neutropenia

Description agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis – disease, as a result of which the bone marrow produces insufficient number of white blood cells (leukocytes), or in the body is the accelerated destruction of their. As a result,, white blood cell count is low. Agranulocytosis occurs most often as a result of exposure to drugs or therapies. In congenital agranulocytosis person is born with the disease. Agranulocytosis usually responds well to treatment, so if this disease is suspected, seek medical advice.

Prichinы agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis can cause a number of factors, including:

• Congenital genetic abnormality;
• Tumors, infection or other inflammation, or bone marrow fibrosis;
• Toxins, autoimmune diseases, infections and other related reasons;
• Aplasticheskaya anemia;
• Certain medications or treatments;
• Chemotherapy for cancer treatment;
• Many different drugs.

Risk factors

Factors, which increases the risk of agranulocytosis:

• Exposure to chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer;
• Taking certain medications;
• Infection;
• Exposure to certain chemical toxins or radiation;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Increasing the size of the spleen;
• Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid;
• Leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome;
• Aplastic anemia or other diseases of the bone marrow;
• The presence of the family of certain genetic diseases.

Simptomы agranulocytosis

• The rapid rise in temperature, chills, jaundice, weakness, or sore throat;
• Bacterial pneumonia;
• Mouth ulcers;
• Bleeding gums;
• Low white blood cell count;
• Infection, including fungal.

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate the presence of agranulocytosis. They can be caused by other diseases. For an accurate diagnosis, seek medical advice.

Diagnosis agranulocytosis

To diagnose the disease the doctor performs a physical inspection performs the following tests:

• Blood test, to determine the number of leukocytes;
• Urine or other fluid can be tested for pathogens, if a person has a fever;
• Bone marrow (biopsy and aspiration);
• Some patients need to conduct genetic analyzes;
• Perhaps in humans with autoimmune disease should be tested antibodies antineytrofily.

Treatments agranulocytosis

Treatment options include the following

Transfusion of white blood cells

To compensate for a deficiency of white blood cells, transfusion may be useful for certain people.

Treatment with antibiotics

It is used to treat infections, which could be cause agranulocytosis.

Factors, stimulating white blood cells

Depending on the reasons, Some people may benefit from treatments with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

Removal of the causes of agranulocytosis

Remove toxin / drug or treat primary disorder.

Prevention agranulocytosis

To reduce the risk of agranulocytosis, you must take the following steps:

• Perform preventive procedures to replenish leukocytes:
  • Treatment such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF);
  • Take medications to prevent the loss of white blood cells.