Having a low white blood cell count doesn't necesarily mean people will get infections.My white count is only 2.1.
I do not get sick and do not get infections.
Low WBC counts are very common in lupus 50%-95% depending on the study. They can be a criterion for diagnosisSometimes the cause of a low white blood cell count can't be determined (idiopathic). Known causes of a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) include:
White blood cells help fight infection in your body. A normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. A mild decrease in white blood cells below 4,500 cells per microliter doesn't necessarily indicate a serious illness. However, a dangerously low white blood cell count — below 2,500 cells per microliter — increases the risk of serious infection.
- Infections, such as viral infections and HIV
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
- Certain medications, especially those used in chemotherapy and some antibiotics
- Radiation therapy
- Bone marrow disease, such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes
Birdie, my WBC has dropped to 2.6 too, and my rheumy has taken me off the aza. But I don't think they will put me back on to aza if my WBC improves as they suspect aza being the culprit of my low WBC.birdie;513822 said:my white cell count has fallen to 2.5 so my rheumy has taken me off the aza for 2 weeks, I have just had another blood test and hopefully the wbc count will have come up if it has then I can restart the aza at a lower dosage of 100mg instead of 150mg. Not too sure what they are going to do if it hasn't. No doubt time will tell.