Neutropenia

Several health conditions can cause neutropenia, including viral infections such as chickenpox and hepatitis, and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Some medicines, including certain antibiotics and antiviral drugs, can also cause neutropenia.

Some cancers, particularly blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, can affect your bone marrow and reduce your number of neutrophils. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, can also cause neutropenia because they can temporarily affect your bone marrow’s ability to make new blood cells.

Many people do not have symptoms of neutropenia itself, but they may develop signs of infection because their body is less able to fight germs. Neutropenia is usually found in a blood test.

Neutropenia can increase your risk of developing an infection.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Feeling shivery, cold or flu-like
• Feeling generally unwell
• A new or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat or sore mouth
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Redness, swelling, pain or discharge from a wound, PICC line, central line or injection site

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your neutropenia.

Your doctor may prescribe growth factors, such as G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), to encourage your bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Growth factors are not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will discuss whether they are likely to benefit you.

You will also be advised on ways to reduce your risk of infection while your neutrophil count is low. Read more on how to cope with increased risk of infection.

Giving growth factors (G-CSF)

Growth factors are usually given as an injection just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your nurse will discuss who will give these injections when you are at home. You may:

• Give the injection yourself, after training
• Have a family member or carer give it
• Arrange for your GP practice or community nurse to help

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild. The most common side effect is aching in the bones, joints or muscles.

This can often be managed with appropriate pain relief. Always speak with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Serious side effects can happen but they are not common. Your doctor or nurse will explain what symptoms to look out for and when to seek medical advice.