What Is Neutropenia Sepsis?
Neutropenia can lead to a condition called sepsis. In this article we explore neutropenia and sepsis in more detail.
What is neutropenia?
Neutropenia is when the number of neutrophils (white blood cells) in the body is very low.
This will happen when something causes problems with the production of white blood cells, or when something causes the white blood cells to be destroyed. Normally this can be attributed to an illness or medication, such as:
- HIV
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Autoimmune disorders – e.g. Felty's syndrome
- Congenital disorders – e.g. Kostmann syndrome
- Anti-cancer therapy
Most commonly, neutropenia is associated with cancer treatment – particularly chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can damage the bone marrow which creates white blood cells, meaning not enough are produced.
What is neutropenia sepsis?
Neutropenic sepsis is when a neutropenia patient falls ill with sepsis, a potentially fatal condition that is initiated by an infection.
The way in which neutropenia can lead to sepsis is explained in more detail below:
White blood cells help to fight off infection. Therefore if someone develops neutropenia, they will be especially vulnerable to infection.
If the body is not able to tackle an infection, it can spread throughout the body. This will trigger a septic response, which is when the immune system goes into overdrive, resulting in widespread inflammation.
This reaction is known as sepsis and is very dangerous because the blood will not be able to flow properly around the body. This can quickly lead to septic shock and organ failure.
Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. Those with neutropenia will be particularly at risk because their body will not be able to contain an infection, due to the lack of white blood cells.
Neutropenia sepsis claim
Medical practitioners should try to take steps to prevent a neutropenic patient from developing an infection. If there are any signs of infection, action must be taken immediately to diagnose and treat the patient – before severe sepsis occurs.
Unfortunately this standard of care is not always achieved and a patient suffers serious complications as a result of neutropenic sepsis. If this has happened to you or your loved one, you might want to ask a solicitor if there has been a case of medical negligence.
We will be able to say whether you have grounds for to pursue a compensation claim for neutropenia sepsis. If so, we will assist you throughout the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
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