White blood cells play a vital role in the immune system as they scavenge the blood for invading bacteria, viruses and fungi. Certain medical conditions can cause white cell levels to become low, a condition known as neutropenia. While mild neutropenia is usually not serious, individuals with severe neutropenia are at risk for fatal infections and should be aware of treatments for low white cell counts.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Neutropenia can be caused by certain medical conditions such as tuberculosis, leukemia and other cancers. The Merck Manual explains that treatment of these conditions may help to resolve the neutropenia. Neutropenia is can also be a side effect of some prescription drugs or exposure to certain toxins. Simply discontinuing such treatments or preventing exposure to toxins can help neutropenia resolve on its own.
Treatment for Infection
Individuals with severe neutropenia are at risk for lethal infections. According to Tirgan.com, if you suffer from neutropenia, have a fever and suspect that you have an infection, you should be hospitalized and given antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Low white cell counts in combination with fever is called febrile neutropenia, which, left untreated, can become fatal in a matter of a few hours.
Growth Factors
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine naturally produced in the body that can increase production of white cells by the bone marrow. The National Neutropenia Network explains that G-CSF is administered by injection, and that the dose and duration of treatment can vary. G-CSF treatment is expensive, with costs of up to $4,000 per month.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids can help increase white cell levels in the blood if an immune reaction is the cause of neutropenia. According to the National Neutropenia Network, corticosteroids promote white cells to leave the bone marrow, leading to an increase in white cells in the blood. Corticosteroids, however, do not increase neutrophil production, and can actually decrease the production of certain non-neutrophil white cells and increase susceptibility to infection.
Stem Cell Transplantation
The Merck Manual explains that stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation are not typically used to treat low white counts. Such transplantations may be recommended in cases of severe neutropenia involving aplastic anemia, leukemia or radiation exposure.
Neupogen, Leukine and Neulasta
Neupogen is a drug that can help to increase the production of white cells by the bone marrow. Tirgan.com explains that Neupogen is a clear liquid administered under the skin, and has very few side effects. Neupogen is often used in combination with certain chemotherapies to prevent low white cell counts during cancer treatment. Leukine and Neulasta are similar drugs that can also be used to treat low white cell counts.
