Neutropenia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Daniel A. Gerber, M.D. [2]

Common symptoms of neutropenia include fever, frequent infections due to immunocompromization, and unusual redness, pain, or swelling around a wound.

History of patients with neutropenia should focus on symptoms suggestive of malignancy or infection, patient or family history of autoimmune or immunodeficiency disorders, risk factors for infections including HIV and hepatitis, and any unusual dietary practices or history of bariatric surgery. As a result, neutropenia may remain undetected until the patient develops secondary, and often severe, infections or sepsis. Some common infections can take an unexpected course in neutropenic patients; for example, formation of pus can be notably absent, as this requires circulating neutrophil granulocytes.^[1]

Common symptoms of neutropenia include:

• Fever
• Frequent infections due to immunocompromization
• Unusual redness, pain, or swelling around a wound
• Mouth ulcers
• Diarrhea
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Shaking chills