This PPT covers the pathophysiology of leukopenia and includes causes of leukopenia, symptoms of leukopenia and diagnosis of leukopenia

1. LEUKOPENIA
PREPARED BY: JEGAN. S. NADAR

2.  Leukopenia is a decrease in the number of white blood Cell (leukocytes) found in
the blood, which places individuals at increased risk of infection
 Leukopenia is caused due to decrease in number of WBCs, particularly neutrophils.
 For normal adult the WBC counts range between 4500 and 11000 per cubic
millimetre of blood.
 This is slightly higher in children
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3. Leukopenia may be caused by various diseases and drugs. Some of these are
outlined here
 Bone marrow damage or suppression
 Bone marrow diseases
 Cancers that have spread to the bone marrow
 Autoimmune disorders
 Severe infections
 Diseases of the immune system
 Drugs causing leukopenia
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4. 1. Bone marrow damage or suppression
This is caused due to exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, cancer chemotherapy,
radiation therapy and certain drugs.
These agents cause a decrease in production of all the cells of the bone marrow leading
to leukopenia, anemia (low number of red blood cell production and platelets)
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5. 2. Bone marrow diseases
 In these conditions the bone marrow does not produce sufficient WBCs or
selectively produces excess of one type of WBCs leading to a lack of other types.
 The causes include
 myelodysplastic syndrome,
 leukemia,
 myeloproliferative syndrome,
 myelofibrosis (bone marrow replaced by fibrous tissues),
 vitamin B12 or folate deficiency etc.
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6. 3. Autoimmune disorders
 This occurs when the body fails to recognise its own cells and begins to attack
them.
 In cases of leukopenia the body’s WBC’s are perceived as foreign and attacked.
 The condition is called lupus or Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
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7. 4. Drugs causing leukopenia
 Some drugs may lead to leukopenia. Medications which can cause leukopenia
include:
• Clozapine, an antipsychotic medication
• Sodium valproate and lamotrigine - antiepileptic agents
• Immunosuppressive drugs, such as sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus,
and cyclosporine that are used in transplant patients
• The antidepressant and smoking addiction treatment medication called bupropion
and antibiotic minocycline may also cause leukopenia.
Jegan

8.  Pneumonia: inflammation of lungs due to bacteria or virus
 Stomatitis: inflammation of mucous lining of cheeks, lips, tongue, etc.
 Liver abscesses: bacterial infection of the liver
 Metrorrhagia: infective bleeding from the uterus
 Menorrhagia: prolonged and heavy menstruation
 Fatigue,
 Fever,
 Headache,
 Oral ulcer and various infections
 Strong desire to consume hot drinks
SYMPTOMS
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9.  COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
 BONE MARROW TEST
DIAGNOSIS
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