Article Translations: (Spanish)
Neutropenia (noo-treh-PEE-nee-eh) is when the blood doesn't have enough of a type of white blood cell. These cells, called neutrophils, fight bacteria. Bacteria are germs that cause infections. Without enough neutrophils, serious infections can happen.
Most children with neutropenia need medical care right away if they have any signs of an infection. Common signs include fevers, spreading redness around a cut, and shivering or chills. With quick treatment, most infections in children with neutropenia get better.
Compared with other kids, a child with neutropenia may have infections:
The symptoms depend on what kind of infection the child has (for example, ear pain in a child with an ear infection).
Someone with neutropenia has a low number of neutrophils (NOO-treh-filz) in the bloodstream.
Neutropenia can be due to:
Neutropenia may:
Sometimes doctors don't know what causes a person's neutropenia (called idiopathic neutropenia).
Doctors diagnose neutropenia with a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
To find out why a child has neutropenia, a hematologist (a doctor who specializes in blood diseases) will:
Treatment for neutropenia depends on its cause and how severe it is. Not all cases need treatment.
Doctors use the ANC (absolute neutrophil count) to help them make decisions about treatment. The ANC is a blood test that measures the number of neutrophils. The lower the number is, the more likely the child is to get serious infections.
Treatment, when needed, can include:
To help your child, follow the doctor's instructions on:
It's important to find care right away if kids with neutropenia have any signs of infection. Quick treatment usually helps them get better.
Call the doctor right away if you see any signs or symptoms of an infection, such as:
Having a child with a serious medical condition can be a challenge for any family. But you're not alone. Talk to anyone on the care team about ways to find support. You also can visit online sites for more information and support, such as:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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