Neutropenia
Also known as: low white count, febrile neutropenia
A low neutrophil count that increases the risk of serious infection during chemotherapy.
Definition
Neutropenia is a low level of neutrophils, the white blood cells that form the front line of defence against bacterial infection. It is one of the most important side effects of chemotherapy, typically reaching its lowest point ("nadir") 7 to 14 days after a cycle.
When neutropenic, patients are vulnerable to infection from organisms they would normally fight off easily. A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or above in a neutropenic patient — febrile neutropenia — is a medical emergency and requires urgent intravenous antibiotics. Risk can be reduced with growth-factor injections (such as G-CSF) and by avoiding sick contacts in the days after chemotherapy.
See also
- Chemotherapy — Drug treatment that kills cancer cells throughout the body.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) — A common blood test that measures red cells, white cells and platelets.
- Anemia — A low red blood cell count that causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin.
- Antiemetic — A medicine that prevents or controls nausea and vomiting.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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