Cyclical Neutropenia Information

Cyclic neutropenia is a disorder in which the number of these special cells drops dramatically in a cyclical pattern. Cyclical neutropenia, as it suggests, is an undulating level of neutrophils over a period of two to three months and is thought to be genetic. This disease arises is not entirely understood, but between 25 to 34 percent can be shown to due to inheritance.

With cyclical neutropenia, there is a possibility that your child will pass the disorder onto his/her family. This disorder can occur right from birth. Treatment of neutropenia depends on the underlying cause.

Cyclical Neutropenia Causes and Symptoms

In severe neutropenia, the patient is likely to develop periodontal disease, oral and rectal ulcers, fever, and bacterial pneumonia. Cyclic neutropenia occurs because of fluctuating rates of cell production by the bone marrow stem cells.

Medications known to cause neutropenia are stopped. Neutropenia related to pesticide exposure is treated by removing the patient from the contaminated environment.