Contents
Is Cyclic Neutropenia Affecting Your Health?
Published: Mar 08, 2024
Cyclic neutropenia is a rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of low neutrophil levels, leading to infections and other symptoms. Understanding this condition can help manage its effects on your health.
Understanding Cyclic Neutropenia
Cyclic neutropenia is marked by periodic drops in neutrophil counts, typically every three weeks, leading to symptoms like fever and ulcers. The condition is linked to mutations in the ELANE gene, affecting neutrophil elastase and causing these cycles. Although rare, it affects both males and females equally and can be identified in childhood or adulthood.
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms include recurrent fever, oral ulcers, and fatigue, occurring more than five times a year for many patients. While most feel well between episodes, some experience severe complications like necrotizing enterocolitis or sepsis. Fortunately, the risk of serious transformation into conditions like leukemia is low.
Diagnosing the Condition
Diagnosis involves observing the pattern of symptoms and conducting blood tests to identify neutrophil count cycles. Genetic testing for ELANE mutations is essential for a confirmed diagnosis, distinguishing it from other similar conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a condition with recurring drops in neutrophil levels causing periodic symptoms.
It affects both males and females, often appearing in childhood.
Serious risks are low, but complications like sepsis can occur.
Through observing symptom patterns and genetic testing.
Key Takeaways
Understanding cyclic neutropenia's cycles can help manage its impact on health.
References
- Bellanné-Chantelot C, et al. Mutations in the ELA2 gene correlate with more severe expression of neutropenia: a study of 81 patients from the French Neutropenia Register. Blood 2004; 103:4119.
- GeneReviews, Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al (Eds), University of Washington, Seattle 2018.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?