The Baby With Low Neutrophils: Health Hazard!
Neutrophils are a kind of white blood cells that are abundant in the body and represent up to 70% of the white blood cells found in the blood. So it can sometimes happen that babies have low neutrophils. What to do then?
Neutrophils and their importance
The low neutrophils in baby can be a cause of great concern to parents. However, in order to be informed about the subject, it is necessary to know this topic in depth , taking into account the following:
What are
Low neutrophils, also known as neutropenia, correspond to a low number of white blood cells (also called neutrophils), which are found in the body to fight infections.
Importance
The neutrophils are extremely important in the body of any person, especially in babies. Thanks to them, it is possible to protect children from serious infections that could affect the little ones .
When a bacterial infection is detected in the human body, the first immune cells to detect such an attack are neutrophils, arriving directly at the site of infection, thus protecting the baby.
Thanks to its gelatinous consistency, it can be very easy to pass through the walls of blood vessels, migrating strongly to the affected tissues to help destroy fungi and bacteria, hence its importance.
What are the normal values for neutrophils?
To determine if neutrophil values are low, you need to know the proper values in a healthy person:
- In the case of babies, the normal value of neutrophils is 1,500.
- On the other hand, the normal value of neutrophils in adults is between 2,000 and 7,500.
If your blood neutrophil count is lower than that mentioned above, then you can be sure you are suffering from a condition called neutropenia.
This is a form of leukopenia that is associated with a low level of neutrophils in the blood. For this reason, one should not ignore the table and try to find out what the origins of such a condition are. In addition to looking for a doctor to indicate the appropriate treatment.
What are the reasons for low neutrophils in the baby?
There are several causes for a low value of neutrophils in the blood, which tend to generate low production of them or which also favor their destruction soon after they are produced.
Low neutrophils in the baby, also known as neutropenia, is a serious condition that should be given immediate attention. Because the baby will be exposed to any virus, bacteria or disease.
In both cases, the causes may be associated with various medical conditions or also with habits, which we will explain in detail:
Viral and bacterial infections
Some illnesses such as HIV, tuberculosis or malaria can be one of the causes of your low neutrophil count. However, on many occasions, the baby could simply have a severe infection that causes a rapid depletion of neutrophils .
Use of medications
Some drugs can cause damage to the bone marrow or directly to neutrophils. Also radiation therapy against cancer can cause neutropenia.
vitamin deficiency
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause a condition known as megaloblastic anemia, creating a low concentration of neutrophils in the blood.
Bone Marrow Diseases
Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and myelofibrosis are capable of significantly decreasing the production of neutrophils.
congenital disorders
Some disturbance in the production of this element can produce a decrease in neutrophils in the baby, so it would be necessary to review the medical history of the closest family members to determine the origin.
Placental problems
The mother-to-be can produce antibodies that attack the baby’s neutrophils. They pass through the placenta before birth occurs, which causes a decrease in white blood cells in the newborn child.
On the other hand, in many cases such a decrease occurs without any apparent cause, which indicates that the baby is not sick or has no infection.
Recommendations
It is not a reason to be concerned since, in many occasions, babies tend to present this condition when they are totally healthy , only until the first year of life, as it is a transitory state .
Treatment
When it is not a serious case, neutropenia may simply disappear by itself; so that the bone marrow recovers properly and the body begins to produce enough white blood cells.
On the other hand, if the case is an infection, the baby’s pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics ; and when the infection ceases, production is able to completely return to normal.
When the neutrophil count is too low, there is a complication that the condition is potentially deadly. The following treatments are possible :
- Medicines that aim to stimulate the production of white blood cells.
- Antibodies in the blood, through treatments that provide this practice.
what parents should know
This type of condition can be adequately controlled if the child does not have bacterial infections; it can be easily resolved through the use of antibiotics, of course prescribed by the doctor .
If the child does not have frequent episodes of fever ; and that it has already been taken to the doctor and he has determined that it is something transitory; there is no need to worry as the bone marrow will soon recover and may return to its normal values; then the baby’s low neutrophil levels will disappear .
Pediatric Hematology Control
In the event that there are no apparent causes for the drop in neutrophils; it is necessary that parents continue to perform a pediatric hematology control . This means that doctors will carry out a diagnostic protocol and planned tests. Thus, it is recommended never to miss the pediatric consultations and the frequent exams indicated by the doctor for the child.
By complying with each of these protocols; it will be possible for the baby to remain healthy until complete improvement. Achieving that the adequate production of neutrophils is indicated to prevent diseases.
