blood disorders
Neutropenia
Introduction
Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils (a type of Overview of White Blood Cell Disorders ) in the blood. Neutropenia, if severe, significantly increases the risk of life-threatening infection. Neutropenia is often a side effect of the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Doctors suspect neutropenia in people who have frequent or unusual infections. A blood sample is used to make the diagnosis of neutropenia, and a sample of bone marrow may be needed if the cause is not apparent. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the disorder and can include medications to stimulate the body's production of neutrophils. Antibiotics are given if the person has neutropenia and fever or other signs of infection. Neutrophils are a type of Overview of White Blood Cell Disorders that serve as the body's major defense against acute bacterial and certain fungal infections. Neutrophils usually constitute about 45 to 75% of all white blood cells in the bloodstream. Without the key defense provided by neutrophils, people have problems controlling infections and are at risk of dying from an infection. Neutropenia may resolve quickly when the infection resolves or the exposure stops. Chronic neutropenia may last for months or years. 