Cyclic neutropenia

Cyclic neutropenia
	Blood smear showing neutropenia
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, malaise, stomatitis, gingivitis, recurrent infections
Complications	Sepsis, severe infections
Onset	Usually in childhood
Duration	Cycles every 21 days
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutation in the ELANE gene
Risks	Family history
Diagnosis	Complete blood count, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Chronic neutropenia, autoimmune neutropenia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
Medication	Filgrastim
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	Rare, with appropriate management

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Cyclic neutropenia is a rare blood disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of abnormally low levels of certain white blood cells (neutrophils) in the body. This condition is a type of neutropenia, and it is distinguished by its cyclic pattern. Episodes of neutropenia typically occur every 21 days and last for 3 to 6 days.

Symptoms[edit]

The decrease in neutrophils leads to a higher susceptibility to infections. During periods of neutropenia, individuals typically present with recurrent fevers, mouth ulcers, and skin abscesses. Other symptoms may include gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and otitis media.

Causes[edit]

Cyclic neutropenia is caused by mutations in the ELANE gene. This gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called neutrophil elastase, which is involved in the formation of neutrophils. Mutations in the ELANE gene lead to the production of abnormal neutrophil elastase, which can cause the death of neutrophils and lead to neutropenia.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of cyclic neutropenia involves a complete blood count (CBC) to measure the number of neutrophils. A diagnosis can be confirmed by observing a cyclic pattern of neutropenia over a 6-week period. Genetic testing can also be used to identify mutations in the ELANE gene.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for cyclic neutropenia is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing infections. This may involve the use of antibiotics to treat infections and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to increase the production of neutrophils.

Prognosis[edit]

With appropriate treatment, individuals with cyclic neutropenia can lead normal lives. However, they may have a slightly increased risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia.

Cyclic neutropenia
Blood smear showing neutropenia
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, malaise, stomatitis, gingivitis, recurrent infections
Complications	Sepsis, severe infections
Onset	Usually in childhood
Duration	Cycles every 21 days
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutation in the ELANE gene
Risks	Family history
Diagnosis	Complete blood count, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Chronic neutropenia, autoimmune neutropenia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
Medication	Filgrastim
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	Rare, with appropriate management