What are the symptoms of low white blood cell count

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Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count

Overview of Low White Blood Cell Count (Leukopenia)

A low white blood cell (WBC) count, also known as leukopenia, can lead to a variety of symptoms due to the body's reduced ability to fight infections. White blood cells are crucial components of the immune system, and their deficiency can manifest in several ways.

Common Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

One of the primary symptoms of a low WBC count is an increased susceptibility to infections. This is because white blood cells play a critical role in defending the body against pathogens. Individuals with leukopenia may experience frequent infections, which can be more severe and longer-lasting than in individuals with normal WBC counts .

Fever and Low-Grade Fevers

Fever is a common symptom associated with low WBC counts. The body may respond to infections with a fever, which is a natural defense mechanism. Low-grade fevers are particularly noted in individuals with leukopenia, indicating the body's ongoing battle against infections .

Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue and a general sense of weakness are also common symptoms. The body's constant effort to fight off infections can lead to a significant drain on energy levels, resulting in persistent tiredness and a lack of vitality .

Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss can occur in individuals with a low WBC count. This can be due to the body's increased metabolic demands while fighting infections, as well as potential loss of appetite associated with illness .

Specific Case Insights

In a specific case study involving a patient with a WBC count of 2.9 × 10^9/L, symptoms included leukopenia, anemia, weight loss, low-grade fevers, and fatigue. This case highlights the typical clinical presentation of individuals with significantly reduced white blood cell counts .

Conclusion

Low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, can lead to a range of symptoms primarily related to the body's impaired ability to combat infections. Common symptoms include increased susceptibility to infections, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of the underlying causes of leukopenia.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Meta‐analysis of total and differential white blood cell counts in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with increased total white blood cell count, indicating low-grade inflammation in the brain.

Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

83citations

·Alricka J Jackson et al.

Germline Genetic Predisposition to Myeloid Neoplasia From GATA2 Gene Mutations: Lessons Learned From Two Cases.

virus (EBV) infection, manifested by leukopenia, anemia, weight loss, low-grade fevers, and fatigue. Her blood counts showed a white blood cell count of 2.9 × 10 9 /L, with 75% neutrophils, 21% lymphocytes, 1% monocytes, hemoglo-bin of 10.1 g/dL, and platelet count of 164 × 10 9 /L. Her past medical history was unremarkable, and her family history was negative for any immunologic or hematologic diseases.

Case Report

2019·

3citations

·Iman Abou Dalle et al.

Serum interleukin‐6 predicts the development of multiple symptoms at nadir of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Serum interleukin-6 levels predict the development of multiple symptoms during the nadir of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, suggesting a potential mechanism for symptom burden in cancer patients.

2008·

66citations

·X. Wang et al.

Application of Biomedical Image Processing in Blood Cell Counting using Hough Transform

The Hough Transform is a useful tool for analyzing blood cell counts in biomedicine, as it can detect abnormalities in blood cell distribution and help determine the need for blood cell growth factors.

2016·

3citations

·M. Mukherjee et al.

Evaluation of Patients with Leukocytosis.

Leukocytosis can be caused by various factors, including infections, stress, medications, asplenia, smoking, obesity, and chronic inflammation.

Highly Cited

2015·

147citations

·L. Riley et al.

Large-Scale Exome-wide Association Analysis Identifies Loci for White Blood Cell Traits and Pleiotropy with Immune-Mediated Diseases.

16 common genetic variants are associated with white blood cell traits and autoimmune diseases, suggesting a shared genetic architecture with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal

2016·

54citations

·S. Tajuddin et al.

Nephrotic syndrome.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a complex condition involving kidney failure, blood disorders, and immune system issues.

Highly Cited

1967·

213citations

The prevalence of abnormal leukocyte count, and its predisposing factors, in patients with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia

High white blood cell counts are common in Saudi sickle cell disease patients, with male gender, cough, low hemoglobin, and low heart rate as predictors.

Observational Study

2017·

20citations

·Anwar E. Ahmed et al.

Clinical consequences of a polygenic predisposition to benign lower white blood cell counts

A genetic predisposition to benign lower white blood cell counts can increase the risk of leukopenia, leukoencephalopathy, and discontinuing azathioprine treatment in clinical care.

Observational StudyPreprint

2023·

0citations

·J. Mosley et al.

White Blood Cell Counts, Alcoholism, and Cirrhosis in Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Very high or very low white blood cell counts in pneumococcal pneumonia patients are associated with increased 7-day mortality, while alcohol abuse and cirrhosis are not associated with these counts.

Observational Study

2017·

10citations

·J. G. Gardner et al.

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