agranulocytosis definition
Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell important to fighting off infections — particularly those caused by bacteria. For adults, counts of less than 1,500 neutrophils per microliter of blood are considered to be neutropenia. For children, the cell count indicating neutropenia varies with age. Some people have lower-than-average neutrophil counts, but not an increased risk of infection. In these situations their neutropenia isn't a concern. \-ˌsēz\play. : an acute blood disorder that is marked by a decrease of circulating granulocytes (such as neutrophils) and is characterized especially by weakness, chills, swollen neck, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and jaundice ◆Agranulocytosis results from a decline in the production of granulocytes or from granulocyte destruction. Agranulocytosis, also known as agranulosis or granulopenia, is an acute condition involving a severe and dangerous leukopenia (lowered white blood cell count), most commonly of neutrophils causing a neutropenia in the circulating blood. It is a severe lack of one major class of infection-fighting white blood cells. The term agranulocytosis derives from the Greek: a, meaning without; granulocyte, a particular kind of white blood cell (containing granules in its cytoplasm); and osis, meaning condition [esp. disorder]. Medical Definition of Agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis: A marked decrease in the number of granulocytes. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell filled with microscopic granules that are little sacs containing enzymes that digest microorganisms. Granulocytes are part of the innate, somewhat non specific infection-fighting immune system. Necrotizing gingivitis: a possible oral manifestation of ticlopidine-induced agranulocytosis. But clozapine's use in practice has been greatly limited because of its risk of agranulocytosis (lowered white blood cell count) and the necessity for frequent blood tests to appropriately monitor this risk. Definition of agranulocytosis. plural. agranulocytoses. play \-ˈtō-ˌsēz\. : an acute febrile condition marked by severe decrease in blood granulocytes and often associated with the use of certain drugs. Granulocytes are actually a kind of WBC or white blood cells. When a person has or is experiencing Agranulocytosis, he or she is at great risk to acquire infection as well as mucosal ulceration. Without these cells, the body is unable to fight off the infection. Agranulocytosis Image. Image source: loroati.com. White blood cells fight infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other germs. One important type of white blood cell is the granulocyte, which is made in the bone marrow and travels in the blood throughout the body. Granulocytes sense infections, gather at sites of infection, and destroy the germs. When the body has too few granulocytes, the condition is called agranulocytosis. agranulocytosis - an acute blood disorder (often caused by radiation or drug therapy) characterized by severe reduction in granulocytes. agranulosis, granulocytopenia. blood disease, blood disorder - a disease or disorder of the blood. Translations.
It is an acute condition involving a severe and dangerous leukopenia (lowered white blood cell count), most commonly of neutrophils causing a neutropenia in the circulating blood.