Differential Diagnosis for Leukopenia
The following is a differential diagnosis for leukopenia, categorized for clarity and emphasis on potential severity.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral infections (e.g., influenza, HIV): These are common causes of transient leukopenia due to the bone marrow's response to viral infections, which can suppress the production of white blood cells.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial infections (e.g., tuberculosis, sepsis): Certain bacterial infections can lead to leukopenia, either through direct bone marrow suppression or as a consequence of severe infection.
- Medications (e.g., chemotherapy, certain antibiotics): Many drugs are known to cause leukopenia as a side effect, affecting the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, folate): Deficiencies in these vitamins can impair the production of blood cells, including white blood cells, leading to leukopenia.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus): Some autoimmune diseases can cause the immune system to attack the body's own blood cells, including white blood cells, resulting in leukopenia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aplastic anemia: A rare but serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells, including white blood cells, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Severe sepsis or septic shock: While not the most common cause, severe infections can lead to a dangerous drop in white blood cell count, necessitating immediate medical attention.
- Leukemia or lymphoma: Although less common, these cancers can present with leukopenia and are critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital disorders (e.g., Kostmann syndrome): Rare genetic conditions that affect the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes: A group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells, which can lead to leukopenia among other cytopenias.
- Hairy cell leukemia: A rare type of cancer that can cause leukopenia, among other symptoms, due to the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and spleen.