Definition: (noun) a condition of the blood, in which your white blood cells have a low count of neutrophils. Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, is part of your body’s immune system, and it helps fight off bacterial infections. When you have neutropenia, you are at greater risk of infections, and your body is not well-equipped to fight back.
Pronunciation: new-tro-PEE-nee-ah
Also Known As: neutropaenia, related to leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
Alternate Spellings: neutropaenia
Common Misspellings: nutropenia newtrapeanea
Examples:
Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer. Because both kinds of treatment can destroy white and red blood cells, it is important to take a Complete Blood Count test (CBC) often during your treatment. A CBC will reveal the count of different kinds of blood cells. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment.Treatments include Neulasta or Neupogen (filgrastim), both of which can stimulate white blood cell production. When the injections are working, you may experience bone pain, which can be alleviated by a soak in a hot bath, or by taking Tylenol.
