What is autoimmune neutropenia?
Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN), also known as autoimmune leukopenia or autoimmune granulocytopenia, is a blood disorder in which human antibodies attack and destroy its own neutrophils, leading to a decrease in the number of these cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells or leukocytes that helps the body to fight infection. neutropenia is a general term for a reduced number of neutrophils, regardless of the cause of this condition. Patients with low neutrophils are more susceptible to infection and can be very patient. The treatment needs of people with neutropenia differ depending on the severity of neutropenia. To give a diagnosis of neutropenia in general, a blood sample is taken and white blood cells are calculated in the sample. Then the percentage of neutrophils in white blood cells is determined by the differential analysis of white blood cells. This results in a number called an absolute number of neutrophils (ANC), which must be below 1500 neutrophils per microliter of blood for diagnosis of neutropenia.
Once neutropenia is determined, its cause must still be determined. Imaging the diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia can be difficult because the antibodies that attack neutrophils may not be easy to find. The bone marrow test can be carried out to eliminate the possibility of other types of neutropenia in which there is not enough neutrophils in the marrow. In autoimmune neutropenia, a sufficient number of neutrophils is created, but these cells are prematurely killed by antibodies against neutrophil.
Autoimmune neutropenia can be mild, medium or heavy. Some people with autoimmune neutropenia, especially very young children, will have spontaneous forgiveness of the condition after several years and may never need any treatment. This spontaneous remission is less likely in older children and adults who are likely to have a condition throughout their lives, although it is possible that they will never cause any significant problems.
people with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection because the body cannot effectively fight the attacking cells. Many patients will only experience slightly increased sensitivity and these patients will need antibiotics and similar treatment if the infection is present. Other patients may suffer from severe infections or chronic infections, in this case the treatment of white blood cell growth factors may be necessary to make the patient's white blood cells up to a stable level. For people with all types of neutropenia, it is important to make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of infection and maintain good health through diet and exercise.