What are the causes of leukopenia?

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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When the white blood cell count in peripheral blood is below 4.0 times 10 to the ninth power per liter, it is termed leukopenia. According to the cause, it can be divided into the following three aspects: First, disturbance in the production of white blood cells, including reduced proliferation of stem cells or regeneration disorders. Second, excessive destruction of white blood cells, such as from infections or immunological factors, leading to increased destruction of white blood cells. Third, abnormal distribution of white blood cells, due to various reasons, causes an increase in white blood cells in the marginal pool and a decrease in the circulating pool, which can also lead to leukopenia.

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Treatment methods for leukopenia

First, it is necessary to identify the cause of leukopenia. Common causes include viral infections and poor bone marrow hematopoiesis, and some medications can also cause this condition. Therefore, symptomatic treatment mainly involves the use of medications that increase white blood cells. For mild leukopenia, oral medications commonly used include Li Xuesheng, squalene, and Vitamin B4 to promote the proliferation of white blood cells. In more severe cases, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors may be used. Of course, the main method of treatment still depends on the different causes of each patient. Once leukopenia occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital for an examination to clearly determine the cause of the decrease in white blood cells, so that targeted treatment can be provided. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Symptoms of leukopenia

The symptoms of leukopenia vary with the severity of the decrease in white blood cells and the disease causing the leukopenia. Mild leukopenia generally has no significant clinical manifestations. With moderate leukopenia, patients often experience symptoms of fatigue. If there is a significant decrease in white blood cells, patients often present with fever since white blood cells are the main cells in the body's defense against infections. A significant decrease in white blood cells markedly lowers the patient's resistance, thus making them more susceptible to various infections, with fever being the most common symptom of infection. Furthermore, the clinical presentations also vary with the underlying disease causing the decrease in white blood cells. For example, diseases like aplastic anemia or acute leukemia, which cause a decrease in white blood cells, may lead not only to fever but also to significant fatigue and bleeding manifestations.

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Does leukopenia lead to leukemia?

First of all, a concept to clarify: generally, leukemia is associated with a very high white blood cell count. So, does a decrease in white blood cells lead to leukemia? There is no direct causal relationship between the two. A reduction in white blood cells generally requires an analysis of its cause—whether it is due to a decline in hematopoietic function, a deficiency in raw materials, or an increase in destruction. These situations essentially involve issues in the production factory or where they are used. We cannot say that people with reduced white blood cells will not develop leukemia, nor can it be stated in that way. They may also, over a period, exhibit a reduction in white blood cells due to certain factors. So, if there are genes causing leukemia combined with other factors, leukemia might occur, but there is no direct causation between the two.

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What medicine is used for leukopenia?

Leukopenia refers to a condition where the absolute count of white blood cells in peripheral blood persistently falls below 4.0×10^9/L, commonly known as leukopenia. There are many causes of leukopenia, which can generally be divided into two categories: defects in white blood cell production, and excessive destruction or consumption. Common causes include certain chemicals, radiation, cytotoxic drugs, some hematological diseases such as aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as Vitamin B12 deficiency, and drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism. Additionally, viral infections can lead to excessive white blood cell consumption and result in leukopenia. Therefore, when leukopenia occurs, it is crucial to actively search for the underlying causes and treat the primary condition. Meanwhile, if the patient's white blood cell count is significantly reduced, drugs that increase white blood cells may be temporarily administered to elevate the patient's white blood cell count.

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What are the symptoms of leukopenia?

The most common cause of leukopenia is viral infections, along with some severe bacterial infections. Common symptoms of viral and bacterial infections include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, cough, expectoration, abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgent urination, and frequent urination. Generally, further examinations can be conducted through blood draws and routine tests of blood, urine, and stool cultures. If there is an accompanying hematological disease, such as thrombocytopenia, symptoms can include general weakness, body aches, and bone pain; further bone marrow examinations should be conducted.