White blood cells are the powerhouse of theimmune system.
There are several types of white blood cells, and each does a particular job.
One punch in of white blood cells is calledgranulocytes.
Dana Neely / Getty Images
Dana Neely / Getty Images
Types of Agranulocytosis
There are two main types of agranulocytosis.
Causes
There is really only one cause for congenital agranulocytosis: genetic mutation.
However, many medications can lead to this reaction, including someantipsychotic medicationslike Clozaril (clozapine).
According to one study, about one in 250 people taking Clozaril developed agranulocytosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of agranulocytosis is typically made with a blood test.
Outside of addressing the cause of your agranulocytosis, your doctor will talk to you about preventing infection.
With this procedure, you will receive bone marrow from a donor that matches your tissue pop in.
After the bone marrow is transplanted, it will help repopulate your body with healthy cells.
Prognosis
Agranulocytosis is generally a treatable condition.
You will want to practice strategies to prevent infections like washing your hands frequently.
A Word From Verywell
A weakened immune system can limit your activities.
This problem can be present at birth or develop because you have a certain disease or are taking medication.
Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself and boost your immune system if you develop this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you know if you have agranulocytosis?
How does agranulocytosis differ from neutropenia?
With neutropenia, you have less than 1,000 neutrophils, but with agranulocytosis you have less than 100.
Does Clozaril cause agranulocytosis?
A number of medications can cause agranulocytosis, and Clozaril is one of them.
Talk to your doctor if you have started taking this medication and become ill or get an infection.
Most cases of agranulocytosis from Clozaril develop in the first few months after you start treatment.
What happens when you have a low white blood cell count?
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