In absolute terms, leukopenia is diagnosed when the concentration of leukocytes or white blood cells falls below 3,500 units per microliter of blood; however, this threshold may vary according to the laboratory carrying out the analysis and the characteristics of the patient (age, sex, ethnic group, etc.).
White blood cells or leukocytes comprise various cell types: granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes; the former include neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils.
Since the reduction, or even the absence, of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, cannot cause leukopenia (given their low contribution to the total white blood cell count), this condition is generally the expression of a decrease
- neutrophils (neutropenia), which represent the majority of leukocytes,
- and / or lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia).
Leukopenia, therefore, takes on different diagnostic and clinical significance depending on the numerically altered type of leukocyte.
, white blood cells are part of the body's defense system: they help protect against infections and play a role during inflammation, allergic reactions and tumor processes. Consequently, in the event of their decrease, the immune function is significantly reduced and can be ineffective.The causes of leukopenia are numerous.
Most commonly, the reduction of white blood cells is found in cases of infections, autoimmune diseases, some cancers and various pathological conditions that affect the bone marrow. Low white blood cells can result from rheumatoid arthritis, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, alcohol abuse, and burns.
Leukopenia can also be induced by the prolonged use of certain drugs (such as antibiotics, diuretics and immunosuppressants), cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, exposure to toxins and poisoning from lead and mercury.
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