How to treat leukopenia?

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The treatment plan for leukopenia primarily depends on the cause of the decreased white blood cells. If the cause is related to blood cancer, further examinations like bone marrow biopsy are needed, followed by treatment of the primary disease. The second most common scenario is liver cirrhosis, which can lead to a decrease in all three blood cell lines, causing reduction in white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. In such cases, treatment options may include splenectomy or the use of oral medications that increase white blood cell count. However, these treatments only address the symptoms and not the root cause, which is liver cirrhosis, thus the primary disease still requires treatment. The third scenario involves severe bacterial and viral infections, where a decrease in white blood cells indicates a serious condition, necessitating further antiviral or anti-infection treatments. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are what diseases

Diseases caused by decreased white blood cells and platelets are often related to our hematological system, since both white blood cells and platelets are produced by our hematopoietic factors. When there is a decrease in both white blood cells and platelets, we generally consider that there might be an issue with our hematopoietic system. The most common conditions could be diseases related to the hematological system, such as leukemia, or aplastic anemia. These conditions can cause a decrease in the mentioned indices. Another disease is cirrhosis, especially in patients in the compensatory stage, which can lead to hyperfunctioning of the spleen. The spleen is also an immune organ, as well as a part of our hematopoietic system, so when the spleen is hyperactive, it can also result in decreased white blood cells and platelets.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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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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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Is leukopenia severe?

The normal value of white blood cells in the human body is 4 to 10×10^9/L. White blood cells mainly consist of neutrophils and lymphocytes, along with some other types of eosinophilic and basophilic granulocytes. If the total white blood cell count decreases, generally falling below 4 to 10×10^9/L, it is referred to as leukopenia. Among these, neutrophils are the most related to the body's immune response. If neutrophils decrease to less than 1.5×10^9/L, it is defined as neutropenia, which is very serious. If neutropenia occurs, the resistance to infections is greatly lowered, making the body highly susceptible to various infections. Active treatment to increase white blood cells is necessary; otherwise, any infection may lead to severe conditions like septicemia and septic shock, which can even be life-threatening.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Is leukopenia leukemia?

Leukopenia is not necessarily indicative of leukemia. There are many causes for a decrease in white blood cells, some of which can be due to medications. Currently, many drugs can cause a reduction in white blood cells, and in such cases, stopping the drug will typically allow the white blood cells to return to normal. A second scenario, especially in patients with an enlarged spleen or those suffering from cirrhosis, can also lead to a decrease in white blood cells. In these cases, it is mainly the abnormal function of the spleen that causes the reduction in white cells. Additionally, there are blood-related diseases, which might be leukemia or other types of blood disorders. In these situations, not only is there a reduction in white blood cells, but there is also a decrease in hemoglobin and platelets. Moreover, a significant increase in white blood cells is also a manifestation of leukemia, thus a decrease in white cells is not definitively indicative of leukemia.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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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.)