In this article, we will try to explain another condition that causes our patients to panic as much as low platelet count when they see the test results: low leukocyte count and its causes. When leukocyte levels are low, the first thing that comes to our patients' minds is leukemia, just like when platelets are low. However, low levels of leukocytes, known as WBC, white cells or warrior cells, do not occur only in leukemia.
Three cell groups are evaluated in the complete blood count. These cells are known as red blood cells (erythrocytes = red cells), clotting cells (thrombocytes = blood platelets) and white blood cells (leukocytes = warrior cells).
The number of white blood cells circulating in blood vessels is 4,000-10,000 cells per mm3. . When this value falls below 4,000, leukopenia is mentioned. It is a laboratory finding, just like low platelet count. It is not a disease. The disease causing this laboratory finding must be investigated.
The low WBC value seen in most patients in the complete blood count examination indicates leukopenia. Leukopenia occurs in the following conditions and diseases:
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Diseases caused by viruses, including cold and flu
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Diseases in which bone marrow production is congenitally impaired
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Cancers that invade the bone marrow
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What we call "autoimmune" in medical terms are cancers that the body's immune system destroys these cells and the bone marrow. Conditions caused by
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Severe infections caused by bacteria
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Drugs (Almost any drug can lower white blood cells).
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Conditions that cause "non-infection inflammation" in the body
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Bone marrow failures (Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome)
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Chemotherapies
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HIV virus that causes AIDS
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Extreme spleen enlargement
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Leukemias
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Rheumatic diseases (such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis)
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Nutritional disorders
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Vitamin deficiencies
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Radiation therapy
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Tuberculosis
A patient with low WBC value in complete blood count First of all, the patient should not panic, should know that this laboratory value may be a sign of many diseases other than leukemia, and should be evaluated in terms of all these diseases in cooperation with the relevant physician or physicians.
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