Q: Which doctor should I consult for neutropenia?
A: One should consult their family physician who will recommend blood tests to be performed before making the diagnosis of neutropenia. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and who exhibit symptoms of fever should inform the nurse or doctor at the hospital.
Q: What is Felty syndrome?
A: Felty syndrome is a combination of neutropenia, enlarged spleen, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Q: Is neutropenia fatal?
A: With the right diagnosis and treatment, neutropenia can be managed. Febrile neutropenia accounts for <7% of mortality rate.
Q: What is cyclical neutropenia?
A: Cyclical neutropenia is characterized by recurrent episodes of low neutrophil counts in the blood. It is present from birth and is associated with a mutation of the ELANE gene. Affected individuals have recurring episodes of neutropenia every 21 days that last between 3 and 5 days.
