monocytopenia Explain that the number of monocytes, a type of white blood cell, is low. Monocytes are produced in the bone marrow and make up 2% to 6% of white blood cells at any given time. These work throughout the body as infection-fighting macrophages and dendritic cells. Monocyte counts can be determined with a complete blood count (CBC).
Monocytopenia is usually associated with abnormalities in other types of white blood cells. This can lead to health problems such as inflammation, severe infection, bleeding, and symptoms of anemia (such as fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin). It can also occur with cancer and other diseases.
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symptoms
Although monocytopenia can cause symptoms, it may not show or go unnoticed, especially in the early stages. When there are fewer monocytes, the body’s immune defenses are reduced.
Infections occur frequently and can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include:
lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Fever Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Swelling, pain, discomfort
Your symptoms may be caused by a low monocyte count or other blood cell abnormalities, such as: Leukopenia (low white blood cells) or anemia (low number of healthy red blood cells).
cause
Bone marrow produces monocytes, and any condition that affects the bone marrow can affect the production of monocytes and other white blood cells.
A decrease in monocytes can occur due to:
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) Sepsis (systemic reaction to a blood infection) Severe trauma Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
Cancers that invade the bone marrow, such as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and diseases that affect bone marrow function can also cause low monocyte counts.
Common treatments can affect monocytes. These causes may include:
Hemodialysis treatment for kidney failure Use of corticosteroid drugs Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Low monocyte levels can increase recovery time from injury.
GATA2 deficiency
Symptoms of GATA2 deficiency may begin as early as infancy or in adulthood. Symptoms include lymphadenopathy, warts, and frequent bacterial infections, including viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections.
It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that anyone who inherits the gene for the disease from one parent will develop the condition. GATA2 deficiency commonly causes monocytopenia, leading to neutropenia (neutropenia) and aplastic anemia (lack of blood cell production) as well.
The condition can also progress to lead to acute myeloid leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia.
hairy cell leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia is a type of blood cancer in which the body produces too many B-cell lymphocytes. Levels of many types of white blood cells are reduced, including a low number of monocytes.
This condition causes enlargement of the spleen and predisposition to infections. This type of cancer can be treated with drug therapy or a bone marrow transplant (the bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells from the recipient or donor).
diagnostic test
If a complete blood cell test shows a low monocyte count, other tests may be needed to evaluate the cause. These tests include:
Blood smears (blood is prepared on slides in the laboratory, stained, and examined under a microscope) Genetic testing (certain genetic conditions cause monocytopenia)
Imaging tests Bone marrow biopsy (sample taken from inside the bone and analyzed in a laboratory)
Depending on the results, professional care and testing may be required.
process
If the monocyte count is low on retesting, your health care provider may recommend infection control measures. These may include staying up to date on recommended vaccinations and avoiding areas where you may be exposed to infectious diseases.
You may also need to have regular complete blood tests and other tests to help identify and treat complications early, especially leukemia. Keep in mind that there are many different causes of monocytopenia, and treatment is based on the cause.
summary
Low monocyte levels, or monocytopenia, can be caused by any problem that reduces the number of white blood cells in your body. This includes chemotherapy, bloodstream infections, or bone marrow disease. In some situations, monocytopenia can be a reaction to a serious medical problem, such as trauma, sepsis, or anaphylaxis.
This condition is diagnosed by a CBC and other tests necessary to determine the cause. Treatment includes managing complications, treating underlying conditions, and preventing infections.