From the Guidelines
Neutropenia is a condition where the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, is lower than normal, increasing the risk of infections, particularly bacterial and fungal infections [ 1 ].
Definition and Classification
A normal neutrophil count ranges from 1,500 to 8,000 cells per microliter of blood. A low neutrophil count is typically defined as:
- Mild neutropenia: 1,000-1,499 cells per microliter
- Moderate neutropenia: 500-999 cells per microliter
- Severe neutropenia: less than 500 cells per microliter [ 1 ].
Causes and Risks
Causes of low neutrophil count include certain medications such as chemotherapy, antibiotics like cotrimoxazole, and anticonvulsants like carbamazepine, as well as underlying medical conditions like bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections [ 1 ]. The risk of infection increases with the depth and duration of neutropenia, with the greatest risk occurring in patients who experience profound, prolonged neutropenia [ 1 ].
Prevention and Management
If you have a low neutrophil count, it is essential to take precautions to prevent infections, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods. In some cases, medications like filgrastim or pegfilgrastim may be prescribed to stimulate the production of neutrophils [ 1 ]. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management of a low neutrophil count.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZARXIO is a leukocyte growth factor indicated to • Decrease the incidence of infection‚ as manifested by febrile neutropenia‚ in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti‑cancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever Reduce the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae‚ e.g. ‚ febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) Reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of severe neutropenia (e.g. ‚ fever‚ infections‚ oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia‚ cyclic neutropenia‚ or idiopathic neutropenia
Neutropenia is a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. It can increase the risk of infection and is often associated with fever. The provided drug labels do not give a direct definition of neutropenia, but it is described as a condition that can be severe and have related clinical sequelae, such as fever and infections 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Definition of Neutropenia
- Neutropenia is defined as a neutrophil count lower than 1.5g/L 3
- It can also be characterized by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) lower than 1500 cells/mL 4
- Neutropenia is a condition comprising an abnormally low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which puts patients at an increased risk of severe infections 5
Classification of Neutropenia
- Neutropenia can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe when the count is 1.5-1g/L, 1-0.5g/L, or <0.5g/L, respectively 3
- Severe neutropenia is defined by an absolute blood neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L 6
- Neutropenia can be acute or chronic, with chronic neutropenia lasting for 3 months or longer 7
Causes and Consequences of Neutropenia
- Neutropenia can be caused by decreased neutrophil production, accelerated use, a shift in compartments of neutrophils, or a combination of these factors 4
- The main complication of neutropenia is infection, whose risk increases with the depth and duration of the neutropenia 3
- Neutropenia can be associated with medications, autoimmune reactions, and underlying hematologic disorders 3, 6, 7