HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING ANSWERS: WHAT IS LEUKOPENIA AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Leukopenia is the medical term for a low white blood cell count. The usual lab report will show a normal range of 4,500 to 11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. However, many healthy people have white blood cell counts that are lower than 4,500. There are other possibilities because there are many causes of a low white blood cells count. The white blood cell count may be low due to: • Infection, especially viral infections such as mononucleosis or even the common cold • Toxins (such as alcohol) or medications • Bone marrow diseases, including certain types of cancer • Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, in which the immune system attacks blood cells • An enlarged spleen, as is often the case in people with cirrhosis • Congenital (life-long) bone marrow disorders • Prior radiation therapy • A vitamin deficiency, such as a low level of folic acid
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-04-29T14:06:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd