Acquired Agranulocytosis Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Acquired Agranulocytosis Overview

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Learn About Acquired Agranulocytosis

What is the definition of Acquired Agranulocytosis?

Acquired agranulocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells (granulocytes) and is usually caused by drugs used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy, and antipsychotic medications, such as clozapine, which interfere with the production of granulocytes in the bone marrow. The decrease in granulocytes makes individuals with acquired agranulocytosis more susceptible to bacteria infections from bacteria that would otherwise not be considered harmful in a healthy individual.

What are the symptoms of Acquired Agranulocytosis?

Early symptoms of acquired agranulocytosis are usually a bacterial infection that may include weakness, extreme fatigue, fever, chills, and infected ulcerations in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and intestinal tract, along with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and irritation, pain, and swelling due to the ulcers. As the reduction in granulocytes (granulocytopenia) continues, patients with acquired agranulocytosis may develop an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and neutropenia (decreased blood neutrophils). In addition to the early symptoms, individuals with chronic acquired agranulocytosis may experience the development of canker sores in the mouth and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) that regularly recurs.

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What are the current treatments for Acquired Agranulocytosis?

The standard treatment for acquired agranulocytosis is the drug, filgrastim (Neupogen), in addition to identifying and discontinuing other drugs that may be causing the disorder. Some patients with acquired agranulocytosis may require treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroid therapy for associated bacterial infections. Immunocompromised patients with acquire agranulocytosis may require gamma globulin infusions. The associated mouth and throat ulcers can be treated with saline or hydrogen peroxide gargles, anesthetic lozenges, and antifungal mouthwashes containing the drug, nystatin, for oral fungal infections, such as thrush or Candida albicans (yeast infection). A liquid diet may be necessary until the ulcers heal. Acquired agranulocytosis will usually resolve once the granulocyte levels return to normal.

Who are the top Acquired Agranulocytosis Local Doctors?

Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Anush Patel

Hematology

Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Anush Patel

Hematology

Bassett Medical Center

1 Atwell Road,

Cooperstown, NY

607-547-3336

Languages Spoken:

English

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. Dr. Patel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acquired Agranulocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Angiosarcoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Adenocarcinoma, and Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Jeffrey Branta

Family Medicine

Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Jeffrey Branta

Family Medicine

Advocate Medical Group Primary Care

100 W 162nd St,

South Holland, IL

708-730-2200

Languages Spoken:

English

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Jeffrey Branta is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in South Holland, Illinois. Dr. Branta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acquired Agranulocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Osteomyelitis in Children, and Hypertensive Heart Disease.

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Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Daniel Montalvo

Internal Medicine

Experienced in Acquired Agranulocytosis

Dr. Daniel Montalvo

Internal Medicine

Advocate Medical Group Internal Medicine

100 W 162nd St,

South Holland, IL

708-730-2200

Languages Spoken:

English

See accepted insurances

Daniel Montalvo is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in South Holland, Illinois. Dr. Montalvo is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acquired Agranulocytosis. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.