What Does A Low Neutrophil Count Indicate?
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in the bloodstream. A decrease in your count may indicate a high risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
A low neutrophil count indicates the development of neutropenia, a form of leukopenia that reduces the body’s ability to fight bacterial and fungal infections. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in the blood, corresponding to 70% of all leukocytes.
Its main function is to help the immune system to fight infectious diseases, taking the invading agent -particularly bacteria and fungi- and then directing it and expelling it. When neutropenia is present, the inflammatory response against these antigens is ineffective and serious complications can occur.
Values that indicate low neutrophils in the blood
When the body is attacked by fungi or bacteria, neutrophils are the first immune cells to detect the site of infection. Due to their gelatinous consistency, they have the facility to cross the walls of blood vessels to migrate to the affected tissues and destroy pathogens.
Normal neutrophil levels in a healthy adult range from 2,000 to 7,500 per microliter of blood. The lower counts are classified according to their severity:
- Mild Neutropenia: The absolute neutrophil count ranges from 1000 to 1500 / µL and the risk of infectious diseases is minimal.
- Moderate: The neutrophil count ranges from 500 to 1000 / µl and the risk of infection is moderate.
- Severe neutropenia: the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 µl and the risk of infection is serious.
Why does a low neutrophil count occur?
As an article published by the Mayo Clinic explains , there are numerous factors that are associated with a low neutrophil count. In particular, there are two main causes:
- The decrease in the production of these leukocytes.
- Leukocytes are destroyed in a short time after being produced.
Both cases are related to some medical conditions and habits that affect immune health. The main ones include the following:
- Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. For example AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, Epstein Barr virus (EBV).
- Drugs that affect the bone marrow and neutrophils. Those most at risk are dipyrones, ticlopidine, calcium dobesilate, and antithyroid drugs. To a lesser extent, there are antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin or carbamazepine.
- Cancer treatments. Such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain drugs to treat cancer. These, in general, damage the neutrophils during the process.
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Related to megaloblastic anemia.
- Cancer or other diseases of the bone marrow. Like leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, and myelofibrosis.
- Congenital disorders of bone marrow function. For example, Kostmann syndrome.
- Autoimmune destruction of neutrophils (as a primary condition or related to Felty’s syndrome).
- Hypersplenism (premature destruction of blood cells by the spleen)
Other related causes
There are other factors associated with a low neutrophil count that can be closely linked to the diseases mentioned.
- Hepatitis A and B.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Congenital diseases.
- Infiltrative processes of the bone marrow.
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Long-term use of some antibiotics and diuretics.
Low Neutrophil Symptoms
A low neutrophil count is usually diagnosed when severe infections or sepsis develop. Many mild cases go unnoticed because the symptoms are not entirely obvious. The manifestations with which it occurs can vary depending on the severity with which the neutropenia occurs.
Also, symptoms may vary depending on the type of infection or underlying disease. Patients typically experience:
- Throat pain.
- Frequent diarrhea
- Moderate and high fever.
- Recurring headaches.
- Susceptibility to infections.
- Lesions or ulcers in the mouth and anal region.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Skin infections and wounds that take time to heal.
- Burning sensation when urinating and changes in urination.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of neutropenia is made with a neutrophil count through a complete blood count. If the results are uncertain, the doctor may suggest a complementary test such as a biopsy.
In adults, the diagnosis is positive when the absolute neutrophil count is less than 1500 per microliter of blood. The cell count to indicate neutropenia in children varies with age.
Treatment of low neutrophils
Treatment for a low neutrophil count is based on managing the underlying cause and maintaining control over the patient’s general health. Of course, its administration varies in each case, depending on the severity with which it occurs. The most common usually include the following:
- Granulocyte transfusions.
- Antibiotic and antifungal medications in case of infections.
- Corticosteroid or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
- Administration of white blood cell growth factors, if the neutropenia is very severe.
Patients whose low neutrophil count is caused by an infection can also implement some preventive measures : constant hand washing and wearing gloves and face masks can limit the risk of infections.
