Neutropenia Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is neutropenia associated with?
Mouth ulcers, fever, and sore throat
Neutropenia can present with these symptoms, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
In what context might a child present with symptoms of neutropenia?
A child undergoing chemotherapy
What is febrile neutropenia?
Neutropenia + fever
In what situations can febrile neutropenia occur?
In the setting of:
* Chemo- or radiotherapy-induced pancytopenia
* Viral-induced neutropenia (e.g., Parvovirus B19)
What is the significance of febrile neutropenia in patients?
It is a medical emergency because the patient has an infection but no ability to fight it
What is the next best step in the management of febrile neutropenia according to USMLE?
IV broad-spectrum antibiotics
What treatment does USMLE recommend after administering antibiotics for febrile neutropenia?
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, or filgrastim)
(never seen granulocyte transfusion as a correct answer on USMLE)
What virus can infect myeloid precursors and cause neutropenia?
Parvovirus B19
Parvovirus B19 is known for its ability to infect myeloid precursors, leading to a decrease in neutrophil counts.
What is the term for neutropenia caused by viral infection?
Viral-induced neutropenia
This term refers to neutropenia that arises as a result of viral infections affecting the bone marrow.
Other than parvovirus b19, viruses can cause neutropenia via what mechanism?
formation of antibodies against neutrophils, similar to how they can cause antibodies against platelets in ITP.
What is cyclic neutropenia?
A gene mutation causing episodes of fever and mouth ulcers in children aged 1-3.
Cyclic neutropenia is characterized by periodic drops in neutrophil counts, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
How often do episodes of cyclic neutropenia typically occur?
Every 21 days.
The frequency may not always be specified in questions, but episodes are recurrent.
What are common symptoms of cyclic neutropenia in children?
Fever and mouth ulcers.
These symptoms can lead to significant discomfort and risk of secondary infections.
Fill in the blank: Cyclic neutropenia is caused by a _______.
gene mutation.
This mutation affects the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow.
