Question
A child developed a fever on January 8th and underwent a blood test, which revealed a low white blood cell count. After a detailed examination, the diagnosis was bronchitis, and the child received two days of intravenous treatment, resulting in a decrease in body temperature. However, the body temperature became abnormal again yesterday, reaching 38.5°C. Today (12th), another check showed an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils. Medications previously taken included B4, and the medication was not discontinued. What does the child’s regular blood test result show at this point? The local doctor suggests referring the child to a children’s hospital.
Answer
A decrease in white blood cells typically refers to a decrease in neutrophils, which are the main component of white blood cells. Therefore, a decrease in neutrophils leads to a decrease in white blood cells. When the white blood cell count falls below 4.0×10^9/L, we refer to it as leukopenia. The main reasons may be defects in granulocyte development, excessive destruction or consumption of neutrophils, or abnormal arrangement of neutrophils. This is the suggested approach to this issue, hoping it is helpful to you, and wishing you health.