Leukopenia, which characterizes the decrease in white blood cells, can have several causes.
Leukocytes are the white blood cells of our immune system. Made in the bone marrow, leukocytes fight infections. When the white blood cell count is abnormally low, we speak of leukopenia. “It is the laboratories which give the limit rates according to the techniques used”informs us Dr Sophie Bauer, surgeon and president of the SML. “When the white blood cell count is less than 4,000/mm3, it is leukopenia. A rate slightly lower than the norm, like 3,500/mm3 for example, does not panic us, but we always look for the underlying causes. A very low leukocyte level further alerts us, raising fears of pathology and the possibility of opportunistic infections.
As Dr Sophie Bauer informs us, infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli sometimes lead to a drop in white blood cells. The bacteria most frequently responsible for these infections are Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Acinetobacter. The first can lead to hemorrhagic diarrhea; the second pneumonia or serious urinary infections; the third is suppurative infections of any organ (respiratory, wound infections, etc.). Bone marrow cancers or leukemia are also sometimes responsible for a drop in the level of white blood cells in the blood. “It could be certain lymphomas or myelomas.” Lymphomas are malignant tumors of the lymphatic system. Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow caused by an abnormal accumulation of plasma cells, which are types of white blood cells.
“There are also treatments that significantly reduce the levels of white blood cells in the blood. This is the case for chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. However, in these circumstances, patients are warned of these potential effects,” warns Dr. Bauer. After chemotherapy, drugs are given to the patient to restart the production of white blood cells. Viral infections (caused by a virus) sometimes cause a decrease in white blood cells. “This is particularly the case for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or infectious mononucleosis”illustrates the doctor.
“Immune dysfunctions are also possible causes of a drop in leukocytes, especially dysimmunities of genetic origin. This is also the case for autoimmune diseases, requiring the implementation of appropriate treatment.” The reduction in leukocyte levels can be a side effect of taking certain medications such as immunomodulators taken in diseases of the immune system or in cases of cancer (interleukins for example) or stomach medications such as Omeprazole® or Mopral®. “If the blood test results reveal a drop in white blood cells, we proceed by elimination. Either the patient shows signs of an obvious infection, or we list the list of medications taken by the patient. If we do not find the “origin of leukopenia, additional examinations are prescribed, such as research of blood lines”specifies Dr Sophie Bauer.
More rarely, leukopenia is caused by the destruction or sequestration of white blood cells, trapped in the spleen. “For example, in the event of an abnormality or pathology of the spleen, such as hypersplenism of the spleen, the organ destroys white blood cells, but also red blood cells or platelets. The cells are insufficiently present in the blood circulation In rare cases, we can remove the spleen in cases of severe pathology.concludes our doctor.