leukopenia
Definition
Noun: A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood. This reduction compromises the body's ability to fight infection.
Usage
The term is used primarily in medical contexts to describe a specific hematological finding or diagnosis. It is often a side effect of medical treatments like chemotherapy or a symptom of various diseases. - The patient's leukopenia required postponement of the chemotherapy cycle. - A persistent fever in a patient with known leukopenia is a medical emergency. - The lab report confirmed leukopenia, with a white cell count of 2.0 x 10⁹/L.
Advanced Usage
- Drug-induced leukopenia: A common type caused by medications.
- Leukopenia is often discussed in contrast to (an elevated white blood cell count).
- In clinical notes, it may be referenced as "pancytopenia" if red blood cells and platelets are also low, but leukopenia specifically refers to white cells only.
Variants and Related Words
- Leukopenic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from leukopenia.
- The leukopenic patient was placed in protective isolation.
- Neutropenia (noun): A specific type of leukopenia involving a decrease in neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell. This is often the clinically significant component of leukopenia.
Synonyms
- Leucocytopenia (noun): A less common synonym with identical meaning.
- Low white blood cell count (noun phrase): A descriptive, non-technical synonym.
Antonyms
- Leukocytosis (noun): An abnormally high number of white blood cells.
- Hyperleukocytosis (noun): A markedly high white blood cell count.
Noun
-
an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
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