We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Agranulocytosis Disorder?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,210
Share

Agranulocytosis disorder is a form of leukopenia, or shortage of white blood cells, which involves critically low levels of granulocytes. Granulocytes are specialized white blood cells which support the immune system with a variety of compounds they carry inside their bodies in tiny granules which can burst open as required. This condition may also sometimes be referred to as neutropenia, referencing a specific type of granulocyte found in the blood. A patient with agranulocytosis disorder can face critical health problems, and in some cases, the condition is fatal.

There are two primary reasons for there to be a shortage of granulocytes in the blood. The first is lack of production in the bone marrow, and the second is destruction at a rate which is too high for the bone marrow to make replacements. Sometimes, people develop agranulocytosis disorder spontaneously, but more commonly it is linked with the use of medications and treatments such as sulfonamides, antithyroid drugs, chemotherapy, phenothiazines, or radiation.

Patients may display no symptoms at first, but they commonly experience acute infections as a result of the lack of granulocytes to fight infection. Lesions commonly appear in the mouth and along other mucus membranes, and upper respiratory infections are very common. The patient may also feel fatigued or run down, and commonly a high fever develops as the body struggles to fight even the smallest infection.

Doctors can diagnose agranulocytosis disorder with the use of a blood count, in which the levels of white blood cells and granulocytes in particular can be determined. Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor must determine the cause of the condition, as it cannot be resolved without dealing the underlying cause. In the case of agranulocytosis disorder caused by medication, treatment usually starts with withdrawing the medication.

The patient is also extremely vulnerable to infection, so isolation is usually recommended to minimize contact with people who could be carrying infections. Antibiotics and aggressive treatment are also used at the slightest signs of infection, to defend the body while it rebuilds its white blood cells. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be used so that the patient can start producing more white blood cells, including granulocytes.

Even with the best treatment, agranulocytosis disorder can be deadly for the patient. It may not be possible to address the cause of the condition in time, for example, especially if the cause is not apparent, and even a mild infection can overwhelm antibiotics and kill a patient who lacks granulocytes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-agranulocytosis-disorder.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.