White blood cells are one of the most important components of the immune system, as they are responsible for fighting off infections caused by harmful organisms. When an infection strikes, the first type of white blood cell to respond is the neutrophil, which kills bacteria and fungal organisms. If you have a low neutrophil count, you may come down with frequent infections due to a decline in immune function. This condition, known as neutropenia, leaves you at risk for serious complications. Your doctor may recommend any of these treatments if you have a low neutrophil count.
1. Leukapheresis
If you have frequent systemic infections caused by neutropenia, your doctor may recommend a treatment called leukapheresis. This procedure involves collecting healthy blood cells from a donor during a process called apheresis. After they are irradiated, the healthy cells are transfused into your bloodstream, increasing your cell counts. If you also have a low monocyte count or a low lymphocyte count, your doctor may recommend that you receive several leukopaks--an enriched blood product--until your cell counts are back to normal. Like neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes are both types of white blood cells. Muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling are the most common side effects of leukapheresis.
2. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) signals the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. It is typically administered through an IV or via subcutaneous injection, which is when a healthcare provider injects the medication in between your skin and muscle. The most common side effects of this treatment include bone pain, fever, and nausea; you may also experience black pain, a cough, difficulty breathing, or frequent nosebleeds while undergoing G-CSF.
3. Stem-Cell Transplant
Stem cells, also known as progenitor cells, have the potential to develop into any type of cell into the human body, including white blood cells or red blood cells. Found in the bone marrow, these cells are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including neutropenia. Before you have a stem-cell transplant, you will have to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which damages the bone marrow. The damaged marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells, stimulating the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
After a stem-cell transplant, you may experience nausea, vomiting, mouth pain, and increased bleeding. Before your cell counts return to normal, you will also be at an increased risk for infection. To avoid serious illnesses, try to avoid going to malls, movie theaters, and other crowded places. If you must leave the house, wear a mask to avoid picking up germs that could cause a serious infection.
Neutropenia leaves you vulnerable to infectious organisms, so it is important to address it immediately. While you wait to discuss treatment options with your doctor, wash your hands frequently and take other precautions to avoid infection.