The Frequency and the Causes of Benign Leukopenia In Patients Who Presented Pediatric Hematology Department

Abstract

Purpose: The condition where leukocyte cell count is below 4000/μL is known as leukopenia. In children leukopenia may develop due to various causes. Our aim in this study is to determine the frequency and the causes of benign leukopenia in pediatric patients admitted to the hematology clinic. Materials and methods: Data of patients, with total leukocyte count of less than 4000/μL, who presented to the hematology clinic, between June 2010February 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with cancer, autoimmune disease, aplastic anemia and chronic neutropenia were excluded. Patients’ demographics, causes of leukopenia and complications were evaluated. Results: During the mentioned period, a total of 2650 patients presented to the hematology clinic of which 85 cases were diagnosed with leukopenia [45 girls (52.9%), 40 boys (41.7%); mean age 8.7±4.4] were analyzed. Leukopenia incidence was 3.2 %. Median duration of leukopenia was 6.3±2.4 days, mean duration of follow up was 15±6 days, and all the patients recovered. The most common cause of leukopenia was infections (68.2%). Other causes were medications (10.6%), B12 deficiency plus iron deficiency anemia (9.4%) (mix anemia), vitamin B12 deficiency (4.7%), malnutrition (4.7%) and prematurity (2.4%) respectively. In patients with both iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency, leukopenia developed even without infections. Conclusion: In this study, consistent with the literature, the most common causes of pediatric acute transient leukopenia were infections and drugs. Our study also reveals that leukopenia developed in mixed anemia without infections and also that the white blood cell count was lower and recovery time was longer when compared to isolated vitamin B12 deficiency. Pam Med J 2014;7(1):53-56