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Granulocytopenia is a condition where there is a decrease in granulocytes or white blood cells, which can be caused by autoimmune disorders, medical conditions, infections, and medical treatments. Basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils are responsible for immune functions, and their decrease can lead to a higher risk of infection. Symptoms include chronic infections, swollen glands, and petechial bleeding. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
The term granulocytopenia refers to a decreased number of granulocytes or white blood cells that appear covered in granules when viewed under a microscope. The basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils that make up this cell group are responsible for a variety of immune functions in the body. A variety of circumstances can affect these particular developing or existing white blood cells. Autoimmune disorders or certain medical conditions, infections, and medical treatments can all contribute to granulocytopenia. The affliction can be an inherited condition, and some populations appear to be more affected than others, including Blacks and Yemeni Jews.
Basophils initiate inflammatory responses. This response includes the release of histamine, which causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing overall circulation and allowing the immune system to build in quickly. Eosinophils mainly increase during an allergic reaction, but they also regulate the function of immune cells, promote tissue repair and participate in the destruction of cancer cells. Neutrophils comprise the majority of granulated white blood cells and work by consuming foreign cells that are perceived as a threat to the body.
Autoimmune disorders and infections affect granulocyte counts as the cells leave the circulating blood and migrate to tissue invaded by ailments or microbes. Granulocytopenia often occurs in people with Crohn’s disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Because blood cells have a specific life span, diseases that cause bone marrow failure interfere with the production of new cells to replace old ones. These diseases include certain types of leukaemias, diseases that produce fibrosis of the bone marrow or tumors. Serious injuries that cause hemorrhage and subsequent shock naturally reduce granulocyte counts along with other types of blood cells.
Other causes of granulocytopenia include radiation and chemotherapy, which can destroy healthy mature white blood cells or interfere with the formation of new cells. A long list of over-the-counter and prescription medications can contribute to this form of anemia, including anti-inflammatory and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some antibiotics, antihypertensives, and cardiac drugs have side effects that include decreased granulocyte counts.
Because the condition affects the concentrations of white blood cells that provide immunity, affected individuals generally have a higher risk of infection. Symptoms of granulocytopenia include chronic or recurring bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Individuals may experience low-grade fevers, persistent gum pain, redness or swelling, or skin abscesses. Patients also commonly suffer from swollen cervical glands, sinusitis, and ear infections, along with bronchitis or pneumonia.
In severe cases, individuals develop enlarged spleens and exhibit petechial bleeding, which appears as purplish-red spots on the body. In some cases, granulocytopenia may be treatable after determining the underlying cause. When they’re caused by infections, healthcare professionals typically prescribe antimicrobial drugs. If medications are the cause, a dosage adjustment could fix the problem.
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