Suggest treatment for low white blood cell count
Patient: My aunt(84)has multiple (almost 2 years) and recently was put in the hospital. She has tried all the treatments with success until now. She is having difficulty swallowing when eating. White blood count dropped. Feeding tube is not an option. She is not in pain. We know now is the time for hospice. My question is how do you think she has to live. Doctor: Hello and welcome to HCM,Low white blood cell counts can occur due to infections especially bacterial infection, bone marrow suppression etc.It is important to know the cause of low white blood cell counts to plan proper treatment.If there is no evidence of infection, bone marrow suppression may be the most probable cause of low white blood cell counts.A bone marrow study may be required.Growth factors are used to stimulate the production of white blood cells depending on the cell component which is affected.Consult your treating doctor for further management.Thanks and take careDr Shailja Puri