Understanding the Causes of Agranulocytosis and How to Treat It

Agranulocytosis is a term used when bone marrow fails to form granulocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. If the body lacks granulocytes, it can cause a person to be more susceptible to infection. Agranulocytosis causes the body to not have enough endurance, and can cause complaints easily due to chronic bacterial infections that often occur in the skin, lungs, throat, and others.

Recognize the Causes of Agranulocytosis

In general, there are two types of agranulocytosis. The first type is congenital and the second type can be obtained from certain drugs or medical procedures. A study found that about 70% of cases of agranulocytosis are related to the effects of treatment. Among them, antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine, antimalarials, drugs to treat hyperthyroidism, and anti-inflammatory drugs that work to reduce inflammation. In addition, there are several other factors that cause agranulocytosis, including:

• Impaired bone marrow function
• Chemotherapy
• Exposure to toxic substances, such as arsenic or mercury.

Agranulocytosis can occur in everyone, although it is more common in the elderly, as well as children in congenital agranulocytosis. This disorder can also be affected by other medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or tumors.

Symptoms Caused

Most people with agranulocytosis will not have obvious symptoms. Even so, generally the symptoms that can arise are fever. In addition, it is certain that the condition will be more susceptible to infection because it does not have enough white blood cells to fight germs effectively. In addition to fever, other symptoms associated with infection can include:

• Headache
• Sweating
• Redness on the face
• Shivering
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Limp
• Sore throat.

The thing to watch out for is if the infection spreads rapidly throughout the body through blood circulation, to trigger a sepsis condition that can be life threatening. Sepsis can cause high fever that is difficult to treat, increased heart rate to interfere with breathing.

How to treat Agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis can be treated by using antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections, and is used to treat infections that have developed. If agranulocytosis is caused by treatment, then the consumption of the drug must be stopped. However, whether giving new drugs or stopping drugs, must be under the supervision of a doctor. As for some other agranulocytosis treatments including:

• Immune-suppressing drugs

If agranulocytosis is found to be affected by an autoimmune disease, immunosuppressant drugs such as prednisone can be given.

• Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)

If other treatments are deemed not helpful enough, your doctor may recommend G-CSF treatment, which is the injection of hormones that stimulate bone marrow to produce more granulocytes. G-CSF is usually given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous).

• Bone marrow transplantation

In the case of agranulocytosis which can no longer be treated through usual medication, a bone marrow transplant may be needed (if a suitable donor can be found). Bone marrow transplantation generally provides the best results for patients under 40 years with a good medical history.

In addition, people with agranulocytosis conditions should avoid crowds of people, especially in contact with people who are known to be suffering from a disease caused by infection. Also avoid activities that have a lot of contact with dust and dirt, such as riding a motorcycle or working in the field. In severe conditions, sufferers of agranulocytosis may be advised to undergo treatment in an isolation room to avoid infection. Although agranulocytosis is difficult to prevent, but with proper examination, the cause of this condition can be found immediately and then given appropriate treatment. If you experience symptoms of agranulocytosis or take drugs that are known to trigger the condition, don't hesitate to check with your doctor.