DS has low neutrophil count, any ideas?

[minxthemanx]

DS1 is 14 and has had blood tests over last 3_months that have shown low neutrophil count in white cells. Also anaemic. Am trying to deal with that by diet and iron supplements, but am perplexed as to what causes low white count. Most websites attribute it to viral thing, but my GP says he had low count back in 2012 and she doesn't seem convinced that it's viral. Thought it might be medication, as been on lots of neuro drugs since 2011 when he had brain aneurysm. But has been off meds for a, long time now and neutrophil still low. Neuro consultants don't think it's connected to head. Wondered if anyone on here has any knowledge?

[hollinhurst84]

Have you been referred to haematology? That would be first point of call. I'm newly diagnosed with neutropenia, mine is autoimmune (rare in adults)
I'm seeing a great haematologist and on weekly injections of a drug called filgrastim. It stimulates my bone marrow to produce more white cells (autoimmune means I kill them off!)

[hollinhurst84]

Oh I was also anaemic but that got sorted pretty quickly and was well before the neutropenia was diagnosed
Ferrous fumerate with orange juice every morning brought it up quite quickly

[minxthemanx]

Thanks so much for your reply, yes he's being referred to haematologist if blood tests this week don't show improvement. Feel sorry for him, his body has been through such a lot last 5 years. Hope they can sort it.

[hollinhurst84]

Not sure why I put the wrong drug! I'm on lenograstim
Neutrophils are at 3.4 today so huge improvement
Could be cyclic neutropenia if they are normal every so often