WHITE BLOOD CELL ANOMALIES

I. OBJECTIVES

To relate the functions of each cells to its specialization

To differentiate the normal cell to abnormal cell

To know the clinical significance of each disorders

II. INTRODUCTION

White blood cells are the parts of blood that help the body fight infection. Also called

leukocytes, they are made up of five different subtypes, called neutrophils, eosinophils,

basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.

White cells defend against disease, which explains why their number increases in

the bloodstream when the body is under infectious assault. There are some diseases of

the blood and blood-forming organs themselves that can increase the white count.

Disorders of the spleen, for example, can produce white cell abnormalities, because this

organ is a major source of lymphocytes, which cells are responsible for making

protective antibodies. Diseases of the bone marrow are likely to affect neutrophil

production.

White blood cell disorders of lymphocytes and neutrophils are the most common.

Disorders that involve monocytes and eosinophils are less common and disorders

involving basophils are rare

.

III. DISCUSSION

A. NEUTROPENIA

Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, The

lower your neutrophil count, the more vulnerable you are to infectious diseases. If you

have severe neutropenia — fewer than about 500 cells per microliter of blood —

bacteria normally present in your mouth and digestive tract can cause infections.

The threshold for defining neutropenia varies slightly from one medical practice to

another. Neutropenia in adults is generally defined as a count of 1,700 or fewer

neutrophils per microliter of blood. The cell count indicating neutropenia in children

varies with age.

The common causes of neutropenia are viral infections such as HIV, Hepatits B and

C and malaria; aplastic anemia, vitamin deficiency, and drugs such as antibiotics.

B. NEUTROPHILIA

Neutrophilia (aka neutrophilicleukocytosis) is a white blood cell disorder. The term

neutrophilia means that the number of neutrophils (a type of white cells) in the blood is

too high. In the adult, a normal neutrophil count (called the absolute neutrophil count,

ANC), ranges from 1500 to 8000 neutrophils per microL of blood. A neutrophil count

over 8000 neutrophils per microL of whole blood is considered elevated.

Neutrophilia generally occurs in response to other conditions. Chronic idiopathic (i.e.

appearing spontaneously and of unknown cause) neutrophilia is very rare. The most

common cause of neutrophilia is infection (mostly bacterial or fungal). Other causes of

neutrophilia include inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory

autoimmune diseases), tissue damage (as in trauma, burns, surgery, or a heart attack),

hemolysis (as in sickle cell anemia), certain medications (e.g. corticosteroids,

epinephrine, lithium), certain cancers (e.g. bone marrow disorders), acute pain, and

strenuous physical activity.

C. EOSINOPHILIA

Eosinophilia (e-o-sin-o-PHIL-e-uh) is a higher than normal level of eosinophils, one

of the five major types of disease-fighting white blood cells. Blood eosinophilia may be

detected with a blood test, usually as part of a complete blood count. A count of more

than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood is generally considered eosinophilia in

adults. A count of more than 1,500 eosinophils per microliter of blood that lasts for

several months is called hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Eosinophilia occurs when either a large number of eosinophils are recruited to a

specific site in your body or bone marrow produces too many eosinophils. This can be

caused by a variety of conditions, diseases and factors, including:Parasitic and fungal

diseases, Allergies, including to medications or food, Adrenal conditions, Skin disorders,

Toxins, Autoimmune diseases, Endocrine disorders and Tumors.

D. BASOPHILIA

Basophilia is an uncommon cause of leukocytosis. Basophils are inflammatory

mediators of substances such as histamine. These cells, along with similar tissue-based

cells (mast cells), have receptors for IgE and participate in the degranulation of white

blood cells that occurs during allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

E. LYMPHOCYTOSIS AND LYMPHOPENIA

Lymphocytosis (lim-foe-sie-TOE-sis), or a high lymphocyte count, is an increase in

white blood cells called lymphocytes (LIM-foe-sites). Lymphocytes are an important part

of the immune system. They help fight off diseases, so it's normal to see a temporary

rise in the number of lymphocytes after an infection.

A count significantly higher than 3,000 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood is

generally considered to be lymphocytosis in adults. In children, the threshold for

lymphocytosis varies with age, but may be as high as 7,000 to 9,000 lymphocytes per

microliter. The exact thresholds for lymphocytosis may vary slightly from one lab to

another. Common causes:Infection (bacterial, viral, other)Cancer of the blood or

lymphatic system, An autoimmune disorder causing ongoing (chronic) inflammation.

Lymphopenia is when you lack the T cells of your immune system. T cells are very

important for controlling infection. Probably the most known cause of lymphopenia is

HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus attacks and kills T cells. In most patients, T cells

are restored when you treat them with antiretroviral treatment for HIV, but in some

patients they are not.

There are also a number of other conditions that can cause lymphopenia. For

example, it can occur after bone marrow transplant and also with certain cancers. There

is also a condition called idiopathic lymphopenia where patients suffer from a lack of T

cells for an unknown reason.

F. MONOCYTOSIS

Monocytosis is a medical condition in which there is an elevation in the presence

of a type of white blood cell known as a monocyte. Monocytes are formed in the bone

marrow and play an important role in normal immune system functioning. Inflammatory

disorders, infection and certain forms of cancer are the most common causes of

monocytosis. Symptoms commonly include fatigue, weakness, fever or an overall

feeling of being ill.

Inflammatory conditions such as infection or autoimmune disturbances are primary

causes of monocytosis. Some of the common types of infection that might lead to this

condition include tuberculosis, syphilis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Autoimmune

disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis might also lead to monocytosis. Some

blood disorders might lead to a high number of monocytes as well. The use of

prescription medications — often including antibiotics or steroid medications — can

sometimes return the blood counts to normal, although the condition might become

chronic in some patients.

G. LEUKEMIA

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone

marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of

leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.

Leukemia usually starts in the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent

infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body

needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white

blood cells, which don't function properly.

Treatment for leukemia can be complex — depending on the type of leukemia and

other factors. But there are strategies and resources that can help to make your

treatment successful.

How leukemia is classified?

Doctors classify leukemia based on its speed of progression and the type of cells

involved.

The first type of classification is by how fast the leukemia progresses:

Acute leukemia. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells

(blasts). They can't carry out their normal work, and they multiply rapidly, so the disease

worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.

Chronic leukemia. This type of leukemia involves more mature blood cells. These

blood cells replicate or accumulate more slowly and can function normally for a period

of time. Some forms of chronic leukemia initially produce no symptoms and can go

unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.

The second type of classification is by type of white blood cell affected:

Lymphocytic leukemia. This type of leukemia affects the lymphoid cells (lymphocytes),

which form lymphoid or lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue makes up your immune

system.

Myelogenous (MI-uh-loj-uh-nus) leukemia. This type of leukemia affects the myeloid

cells. Myeloid cells give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet-producing

cells.

Types of leukemia 

The major types of leukemia are:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). This is the most common type of leukemia in

young children. ALL can also occur in adults.

Acute myelogenousleukemia (AML). AML is a common type of leukemia. It occurs in

children and adults. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). With CLL, the most common chronic adult

leukemia, you may feel well for years without needing treatment.

Chronic myelogenousleukemia (CML). This type of leukemia mainly affects adults. A

person with CML may have few or no symptoms for months or years before entering a

phase in which the leukemia cells grow more quickly.

IV. CONCLUSION

Blood disorders affect one or more parts of the blood and prevent your blood from

doing its job. They can be acute or chronic. Many blood disorders are inherited. Other

causes include other diseases, side effects of medicines, and a lack of certain nutrients

in your diet.

V. REFERENCES

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukemia/DS00351/DSECTION=causes

http://www.slideshare.net/derosaMSKCC/white-blood-cell-disorders

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/eosinopenia

WBC ANOMALIES

SUBMITTED BY:

Alexandra Regilyne M. Romero

Lady Girl M. Syjongtian

Ma.Gelly Ann M. Pineda

Nica Anne D. Rayo

SUBMITTED TO:

Professor Anna Marie Bacudio, RMT