From the Research
Eosinopenia is a condition that typically does not require specific treatment, as management focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as acute stress responses, infections, or glucocorticoid therapy, as indicated by recent studies 1. The condition is characterized by an abnormally low count of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood, defined as an eosinophil count below 50 cells/μL. Some key points to consider in the management of eosinopenia include:
- Eosinopenia commonly occurs during acute stress responses, infections, or with glucocorticoid therapy, as noted in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Acute bacterial infections often trigger eosinopenia through the release of adrenal glucocorticoids and epinephrine, which cause eosinophils to migrate from the bloodstream to tissues.
- Prolonged or severe eosinopenia may indicate serious conditions like sepsis or adrenal hyperfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring eosinophil counts in certain clinical contexts 1.
- Monitoring eosinophil counts can be useful in assessing response to steroid therapy or tracking recovery from infections, as the eosinophil count typically normalizes once the underlying condition resolves or the triggering medication is discontinued.
- If eosinopenia is discovered during routine blood work, further investigation should focus on identifying potential causes such as recent infections, medication use (particularly steroids), or stress-inducing conditions, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1.