Agranulocytosis Causes
Agranulocytosis causes include many different factors that will be discussed in the following article on this condition related to the bone marrow.
Agranulocytosis is an acute condition that involves severe and lowered white blood cell count. The types of white blood cells that are commonly involved in this condition include neutrophils. Agranulocytosis may increase the risk of serious infections in people due to the suppressed immune system. The term agranulocytosis is derived from the Greek word ‘a’ that means without, ‘ granulocyte ‘ that means kind of cell and ‘ osis ‘ that means condition. Agranulocytosis causes involves number of factors that will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
What is Agranulocytosis Agranulocytosis is a condition where the blood marrow fails to produce sufficient quantity of white blood cells or may destroy more than require number of white blood cells. This causes the white blood cell number to drop abnormally. The number of neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils, that is, granulocytes, may drop below 100 cells/mm 3. This about 5% less than the normal white blood cell count
, making agranulocytosis a more serious condition than granulocytopenia.
Types of Agranulocytosis
Agranulocytosis can be divided into acquired agranulocytosis and congenital agranulocytosis. In case of acquired agranulocytosis, the condition occurs due to reaction or treatment with certain medications. Congenital agranulocytosis is a condition that is present by birth. Both these conditions respond well to treatment and therefore one should consult a doctor for cure.
What Causes for Agranulocytosis
The possible cause for agranulocytosis in case of congenital condition is obviously a genetic abnormality. The other agranulocytosis causes include:
- Bone marrow cancer
- White blood cells diseases and disorders
- Bone marrow fibrosis
- Toxins in the blood
- Different types of autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Aplastic anemia
- Use of anti-epileptic drugs, anti-thyroid drugs and antibiotics
- Use of NSAIDs, Cyto toxic drugs, gold and mebendazole
- Cocaine users develop agranulocytosis due to presence of levamisole (antihelminthic drug for animals) in cocaine
Agranulocytosis Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing agranulocytosis. These risk factors that one may have include:
- Use of certain drugs like cocaine
- Severe bacterial or viral infection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Spleen enlargement
- Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- Exposure to radiation or chemical toxins
- Leukemia or myelodysplastic deficiency
- Aplastic anemia
- Family history of genetic disorders
- Vitamin B 12 deficiency
Agranulocytosis Symptoms
Agranulocytosis symptoms are similar to other serious or mild health disorders. These agranulocytosis symptoms may include some of the following signs:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Jaundice
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Mouth ulcer
- Bleeding gums
- Infections including fungal
- Low white blood count
- Urinary tract infection
- Septicemia
- Increase in saliva
- Osteoporosis Agranulocytosis Diagnosis If the doctor suspects agranulocytosis, he may preform a blood test to determine white blood cell count. He may even ask for urine or fluid test for infectious agents in case of fever. Other test include bone marrow test by biopsy or aspiration. In case of people with autoimmune diseases, antineutrophil antibodies may be tested. Few patients may even require genetic test for diagnosis of agranulocytosis.
Agranulocytosis Treatment
There are various treatment options available for agranulocytosis. These treatment include some of the following:
- Transfusion of leukocytes to replace the deficit of white blood cells in some patients
- Use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
- Treatment of the primary blood disorder that causes low white blood cell count
- Use of antibiotics for treatment of infections that lead to agranulocytosis This was all about agranulocytosis causes that may lead to severe low white blood cell count
. You can speak to your doctor regarding the possible causes of agranulocytosis to begin with the treatment suitable for your condition. This was all about agranulocytosis causes that will help you know about this condition better.
DISCLAIMER
The information offered on this site is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. The reader is advised to consult with a medical consultant before taking any home remedies, supplements or following any treatment advised by anyone on this site. A medical consultant will be able to provide the reader with an advice that is safe and effective for an individual’s specific needs and diagnose a particular health problem based on their personal medical history.
