Agranulocytosis
Alternate Names : Malignant Neutropenia
What are the treatments for the condition?
Initial treatment of agranulocytosis often includes the following:
antibiotics to treat or prevent infections
isolation to keep the person from contracting an infection
stopping the medication that is suspected as the cause of the agranulocytosis, which may resolve the problem
Other treatments may be ordered, depending on the cause of the agranulocytosis. These treatments include:
bone marrow transplant
granulocyte-colony-stimulating factors, such as GM-CSFs or G-CSFs, which stimulate the production of granulocytes
matched stem cell transfusions, which replace damaged stem cells
Bone marrow transplant is an effective treatment for some people with agranulocytosis. More than half of the good candidates for bone marrow transplant are cured. People are good candidates if they meet these criteria:
They are under the age of 40 years.
They have had good health prior to the transplant.
They have a matched donor, such as a family member.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat agranulocytosis may increase the person's risk for infection. Some may cause allergic reactions. A bone marrow transplant may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Until blood cell counts return to normal, someone who has agranulocytosis is at risk for infection. It's important to avoid risk factors, such as the following:
activities that cause a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath
excessive exercise
exposure to contagious diseases
How is the condition monitored?
The person with agranulocytosis will have regular visits with the healthcare provider. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.
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