Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Autoimmune Neutropenia?

Christina Whyte
Christina Whyte

Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN), also know as autoimmune leukopenia or autoimmune granulocytopenia, is a blood disorder in which a person's antibodies attack and destroy his or her own neutrophils, resulting in a decreased number of these cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, that helps the body fight off infection. Neutropenia is the general term for a decreased neutrophil count, regardless of the cause of this state. Patients with a low number of neutrophils are more prone to infection and can become very ill. The treatment needs of people with neutropenia vary depending on the severity of the neutropenia.

Reaching a diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia requires a full blood count, and may also require a bone marrow test. To give a diagnosis of neutropenia in general, a sample of blood is taken and the white blood cells in the sample are counted. Then, the percentage of neutrophils in the white blood cells is determined by a procedure called a white blood cell differential analysis. This results in a number called the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which needs to be under 1500 neutrophils per microliter of blood for a diagnosis of neutropenia.

Treatment for an autoimmune disease, such as autoimmune neutropenia, typically involves a cocktail of various medications.
Treatment for an autoimmune disease, such as autoimmune neutropenia, typically involves a cocktail of various medications.

Once neutropenia has been established, the cause of it still needs to be determined. Making a diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia can be difficult because the antibodies which are attacking the neutrophils may not be easy to find. A bone marrow test may be conducted to eliminate the possibility of other types of neutropenia in which not enough neutrophils are created in the marrow. In autoimmune neutropenia, a sufficient number of neutrophils are created, but these cells are prematurely killed by the neutrophil-specific antibodies.

A full blood count is required to diagnose autoimmune neutropenia.
A full blood count is required to diagnose autoimmune neutropenia.

Autoimmune neutropenia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some people with autoimmune neutropenia, especially very young children, will have a spontaneous remission of the condition after a couple of years and may never need any treatment. This spontaneous remission is less likely in older children and adults, who will likely have the condition for their whole lives, though it's possible that it will never cause any significant problems.

People with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection.
People with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection.

People with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection because the body cannot fight off invading cells as effectively. Many patients will only experience a slightly increased susceptibility, and these patients will only need antibiotics and similar treatments when an infection is present. Other patients may suffer from severe infections or chronic infections, in which case treatment with white blood cell growth factors may be needed to get the patient's white blood cell count up to a stable level. Making lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of infection is important for people with all types of neutropenia, such as being extra careful with hygiene, avoiding ill people, and maintaining good health through diet and exercise.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Treatment for an autoimmune disease, such as autoimmune neutropenia, typically involves a cocktail of various medications.
      By: Vera Kuttelvaserova
      Treatment for an autoimmune disease, such as autoimmune neutropenia, typically involves a cocktail of various medications.
    • A full blood count is required to diagnose autoimmune neutropenia.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A full blood count is required to diagnose autoimmune neutropenia.
    • People with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection.
      By: Jamie Wilson
      People with autoimmune neutropenia are more susceptible to infection.
    • AIN is a blood disorder in which a person's antibodies attack and destroy her own neutrophils, which help the body fight off infection.
      By: Tyler Olson
      AIN is a blood disorder in which a person's antibodies attack and destroy her own neutrophils, which help the body fight off infection.
    • Autoimmune neutropenia is a blood disorder in which a person's antibodies attack his or her own neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
      By: extender_01
      Autoimmune neutropenia is a blood disorder in which a person's antibodies attack his or her own neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.