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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis?

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The main difference between neutropenia and agranulocytosis lies in the severity of the conditions and the specific types of white blood cells affected. Both conditions are characterized by low levels of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections.

Neutropenia is a condition where a person has a lower-than-normal level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in their circulating blood. Neutrophils are responsible for fighting germs that make you sick. In neutropenia, the neutrophil level goes below 1,500 cells per microlitre of blood.

Agranulocytosis, on the other hand, is a severe form of neutropenia. It is characterized by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 100 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Agranulocytosis is also referred to as granulocytopenia or granulopenia. In addition to neutrophils, agranulocytosis can also affect other granulocytes, such as basophils and eosinophils.

To summarize:

  • Neutropenia: Lower-than-normal levels of neutrophils in the blood, with an ANC below 1,500 cells per microlitre.
  • Agranulocytosis: A severe form of neutropenia, with an ANC below 100 cells per microlitre, affecting not only neutrophils but also other granulocytes.

Both conditions can increase the risk of infections and can be diagnosed through complete blood tests and bone marrow examinations. Untreated agranulocytosis, in particular, can lead to life-threatening infections. Once the cause of the low neutrophil levels is determined, treatments can be recommended to boost the neutrophil count.

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  • What is the Difference Between Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis?
  • Comparative Table: Neutropenia vs Agranulocytosis

    • Comparative Table: Neutropenia vs Agranulocytosis

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between neutropenia and agranulocytosis:

    Feature Neutropenia Agranulocytosis
    Definition Neutropenia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infections. Agranulocytosis is a severe form of neutropenia, with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of fewer than 100 neutrophils per microliter of blood.
    Neutrophil Count <1.5 × 10^9/L (<1.2 × 10^9/L in black people). <0.5 × 10^9/L, with the presence of fever and/or any signs of infection.
    Progression Neutropenia can progress to agranulocytosis in some cases. Agranulocytosis is a more severe form of neutropenia, with a higher risk of complications.
    Causes Neutropenia can be caused by various factors, including chemotherapy, immune modulator agents, biotherapies, and other daily drugs. Agranulocytosis is often drug-induced, with a higher risk of mortality due to the potential for life-threatening infections.
    Treatment Treatment for neutropenia depends on the underlying cause and may include addressing the cause, medications, or other therapies. Treatment for agranulocytosis focuses on boosting neutrophil levels and may involve discontinuing the causative drug, administering hormones, or other therapies.
    Mortality Rate The mortality rate for idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis was between 10 and 30% three decades ago, but it has since decreased to less than 5% due to improvements in management and treatment. Untreated agranulocytosis can lead to life-threatening infections.

    Please note that the neutrophil count thresholds mentioned in the table may vary slightly depending on the source and population.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.