Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection. ‘Agranulocytosis’ and ‘neutropenia’ are terms often used to describe a deficiency of these cells.
However, the two terms shouldn’t be used interchangeably, as they describe slightly different conditions.
- agranulocytosis is the term used when the bone marrow (soft tissue inside bone) fails to make enough granulocytes
- neutropenia is the term used when the bone marrow fails to make enough of a specific group of granulocytes called neutrophils
Although these conditions are slightly different, they tend to share many similar causes and symptoms, and are often treated in a similar way.
What causes agranulocytosis and neutropenia?
Agranulocytosis and neutropenia usually occur later in life, as the result of another condition or treatment (acquired), but can sometimes be present from birth (congenital).
Depending on the cause, white blood cells may recover in time. However, in some cases, the problem can be persistent.
Acquired agranulocytosis and neutropenia
Common causes of acquired agranulocytosis or neutropenia include:
- chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant (or preparation for a bone marrow transplant)
- certain medications – including some anti-psychotics and some medications for an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- an autoimmune disorder (where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues) – such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- a bone marrow disease – such as myelodysplasia (where blood cells do not develop properly) or leukaemia
- certain infections – including HIV and hepatitis
Congenital agranulocytosis and neutropenia
Congenital agranulocytosis or neutropenia can be caused by several rare genetic faults (altered genes) that may be passed on to a child by one or both of his or her parents.
Individuals of Afro-Caribbean descent often have a naturally slightly lower neutrophil count than those of other ethnic origins, but this is entirely normal and does not lead to any health problems.
