2. Leukopenia is a decrease in the number of white blood Cell (leukocytes) found in
the blood, which places individuals at increased risk of infection
Leukopenia is caused due to decrease in number of WBCs, particularly neutrophils.
For normal adult the WBC counts range between 4500 and 11000 per cubic
millimetre of blood.
This is slightly higher in children
Jegan
3. Leukopenia may be caused by various diseases and drugs. Some of these are
outlined here
Bone marrow damage or suppression
Bone marrow diseases
Cancers that have spread to the bone marrow
Autoimmune disorders
Severe infections
Diseases of the immune system
Drugs causing leukopenia
Jegan
4. 1. Bone marrow damage or suppression
This is caused due to exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, cancer chemotherapy,
radiation therapy and certain drugs.
These agents cause a decrease in production of all the cells of the bone marrow leading
to leukopenia, anemia (low number of red blood cell production and platelets)
Jegan
5. 2. Bone marrow diseases
In these conditions the bone marrow does not produce sufficient WBCs or
selectively produces excess of one type of WBCs leading to a lack of other types.
The causes include
myelodysplastic syndrome,
leukemia,
myeloproliferative syndrome,
myelofibrosis (bone marrow replaced by fibrous tissues),
vitamin B12 or folate deficiency etc.
Jegan
6. 3. Autoimmune disorders
This occurs when the body fails to recognise its own cells and begins to attack
them.
In cases of leukopenia the body’s WBC’s are perceived as foreign and attacked.
The condition is called lupus or Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Jegan
7. 4. Drugs causing leukopenia
Some drugs may lead to leukopenia. Medications which can cause leukopenia
include:
• Clozapine, an antipsychotic medication
• Sodium valproate and lamotrigine - antiepileptic agents
• Immunosuppressive drugs, such as sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus,
and cyclosporine that are used in transplant patients
• The antidepressant and smoking addiction treatment medication called bupropion
and antibiotic minocycline may also cause leukopenia.
Jegan
8. Pneumonia: inflammation of lungs due to bacteria or virus
Stomatitis: inflammation of mucous lining of cheeks, lips, tongue, etc.
Liver abscesses: bacterial infection of the liver
Metrorrhagia: infective bleeding from the uterus
Menorrhagia: prolonged and heavy menstruation
Fatigue,
Fever,
Headache,
Oral ulcer and various infections
Strong desire to consume hot drinks
SYMPTOMS
Jegan