Last Reviewed: February 11, 2022 Show White blood cells (WBC) are part of our body's immune system. These cells protect us against infection. A neutrophil is one type of WBC and makes up most of our WBCs. They are the "first responders" and quickly go to the site of infection, taking in and destroying foreign particles (something not found in the body). They can be found in the pus of a wound and play a role in acute inflammation (redness, warmth, swelling, and pain).
Neutropenia is most often caused by cancer therapies, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Ask your healthcare team when your counts are likely to be at their lowest (called your nadir), as you will most likely be at home during the nadir. For chemotherapy, low counts happen about 7-12 days after treatment. If you are in the hospital during your nadir, you will likely be placed on “neutropenic precautions.” These are guidelines set by the hospital staff and your oncology team to keep you safe from infection. There are ways you can lessen the risk of getting an infection while your count is low. Steps to prevent infection:
You may receive a medication called a granulocyte colony stimulating factor, or GCSF, which stimulates (revs up) neutrophil production. This is a man-made version of a natural hormone that causes the body to make more neutrophils. It is given by an injection just under the skin. There are a few growth factors available in the United States: filgrastim (Neupogen®), pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®), and sargramostim (Leukine®). Even the best hand washers can end up with an infection. An infection in a neutropenic patient is an emergency! If you notice any signs or symptoms of infection, you should call your provider right away - even if it is the middle of the night. You will likely need to have blood work drawn and other testing to look for a source of infection. It is important to receive antibiotics as soon as possible since your immune system is weakened (immunocompromised) and unable to fight some infections on its own. Make sure you know how to reach your healthcare team when the office is closed! Signs and symptoms of infection to look for:
Practice Food SafetyWhile your immune system is working to get back to normal, you may have a harder time fighting a food-borne illness. There are some steps you can take to make food safety a priority:
Every cancer center follows different rules for a neutropenic safe diet. Be sure to ask your healthcare team for any special instructions. Patients having a bone marrow or stem cell transplants often have stricter dietary rules. Remember, this diet is only short-term while your blood counts are low. Learn more from the USDA booklet, Food Safety for People with Cancer. ReferencesWhat causes low white blood cell count and low neutrophils?A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
What does it mean if your absolute neutrophil is low?Neutropenia: Neutropenia is a condition where your neutrophil count is too low, causing swelling and repeated infections. Causes of neutropenia include cancer treatment, an autoimmune disease or an infection.
What cancers cause low WBC and neutrophils?Causes of neutropenia
Cancers that affect the bone marrow directly, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Cancer that has spread. Radiation therapy to several parts of the body or to bones in the pelvis, legs, chest, or abdomen.
Should I be worried if my neutrophils are low?When looking at your risk of getting an infection, doctors look at the number of neutrophils you have. If your neutrophil count is low, the doctor may say you are neutropenic. For most people with cancer, having a low neutrophil count is the biggest risk factor for getting a serious infection.
|