Neutropenia

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps prevent infection throughout the body.  An abnormally low level of neutrophils is known as neutropenia.  Low levels of neutrophils can increase risk of infection.  White blood cell count will be checked regularly during cancer treatment.  However, most cancer patients with neutropenia are able to avoid infections.

 

Who is affected by neutropenia?

Patients are mostly likely to experience neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  These two treatments combined can greatly increase risk of neutropenia.  Also, bone marrow transplants can cause low levels of neutrophils.

 

What causes neutropenia?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can contribute to neutropenia by damaging white blood cells.  These types of cells are susceptible due to high growth and division rate.  Dose and type of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can play a role in how extreme neutropenia becomes.

 

When does neutropenia occur?

Neutropenia is most likely to begin after about 7 days of treatment.  Neutrophil count usually begins to return to normal about 14 days after treatment ends.  It may take up to 3 or 4 weeks for neutrophil count to completely normalize.

 

Managing Neutropenia

There is nothing that can be done to prevent neutropenia.  Therefore, it is important to avoid infection.  Hand washing is the most effective way of preventing infection.  For extreme neutropenia a doctor may choose to delay the next treatment cycle.  The doctor may have the patient take extra measures to prevent infection, such as taking one's temperature four times each day.  Also, patients are suggested to avoid uncooked foods, stay away from fresh plants of all types, and avoid enemas and dental work.  Growth factors, which are special proteins that can stimulate white blood cell production, can be administered via injection.

 

When should patients consult their doctor about neutropenia?

One should consult a doctor when experiencing any signs of infection.

Signs of infection, may include:

* Fever

* Chills, and sweating

* Flu-like symptoms with or without fever

* Coughing, shortness of breath, painful breathing

* Sore throat or mouth sores

* Redness, pain, or swelling on any area of skin

* Pus or drainage from any open cut or sore

* Diarrhea

* Pain or burning with urination

* Vaginal drainage or itching