Approach to White Cell Disorders - Neutropenia

Question 1

What is Neutropenia?

Answer 1

A low Neutrophil count (below 1.5).

Question 2

What are the types of Neutropenia (3)?

Answer 2

1. Mild - 1-1.5.
2. Moderate - 0.5-1.
3. Severe - <0.5.

Question 3

Why should Neutropenia be recognised ASAP?

Answer 3

Preisposition to Severe Infection.

Question 4

Aetiology of Neutropenia (7).

Answer 4

1. Viral (HIV, EBV, Hepatitis).
2. Drugs.
3. Benign Ethnic Neutropenia (Black).
4. Haematological Malignancies.
5. Rheumatological Conditions + SLE (Circulating Antineutrophil Antibodies) + RA (Hypersplenism - Felty’s).
6. Severe Sepsis.
7. Haemodialysis.

Question 5

Give 3 drugs that can cause neutropenia.

Answer 5

1. Cytotoxics.
2. Carbimazole.
3. Clozapine.
4. Carbamazepine (Agranulocytosis).