aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><merged xmlns:dita-ot="http://dita-ot.sourceforge.net/ns/201007/dita-ot" id="GUID-883e8ba6-194f-449d-a094-eb62a551fe24-en" xml:lang="en" xtrf="file:/mnt/crx/author/crx-quickstart/profiles/ditamaps/ditamap1435486582646928410/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/p-r/pediatric-white-blood-cell-disorders/pediatric-white-blood-cell-disorders.ditamap"> <displayTitle>Pediatric white blood cell disorders</displayTitle> <featureTitle/> <listTitle/> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Overview" policy="did:mcid:PSBqUqh1beYTTzK4zCjhC4;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-04-19T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:HiUCgyyfoz8Y9SeQ8HiXpQ:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>overview pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-overview">Overview</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p product="mayoclinic.org"> <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors" keyref="attrib-mayo-clinic-staff-link" scope="external">By Mayo Clinic Staff</xref> </p> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Children with pediatric white blood cell disorders have too few or too many white blood cells. White blood cells, called leukocytes, are part of the immune system. They come from bone marrow and help fight infections. Several conditions can cause having too few or too many white blood cells.</p> <p>A low white blood cell count, also called leukopenia, means having too few leukocytes in the blood. A long-term low white blood cell count raises the risk of infections.</p> <p>A high white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis, means having too many leukocytes in the blood. This most often is from an infection.</p> </section> <section> <title>Types</title> <p>There are several types of white blood cells. Each has its own disease-fighting activity. These are the main types:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Neutrophils.</b> More than half the body's white blood cells are neutrophils. Having too few neutrophils is called neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh). Neutrophils fight infections caused by bacteria or fungi.</li> <li> <b>Lymphocytes.</b> Too few lymphocytes causes lymphocytopenia (lim-foe-sie-toe-PEE-nee-uh). Lymphocytes, also called T cells and B cells, mainly protect against viral infections. </li> <li> <b>Monocytes.</b> These white cells help rid the body of dead or damaged tissue. And they help the body's immune response.</li> <li> <b>Eosinophils.</b> Eosinophilia (e-o-sin-o-FIL-e-uh) is a having too many eosinophil cells. These cells help with swelling and irritation, called inflammation. They also help with parasites and allergies.</li> <li> <b>Basophils.</b> This is the least common type of white blood cell. Basophils have a role in wound healing, asthma and allergic reactions.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Symptoms" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:AoCW1PVFZBhqPzQ1GXkaaN:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>symptoms pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-symptoms">Symptoms</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Symptoms depend on the type of white blood cell and whether there are too few or too many of them. Symptoms might be those of infections, conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, called autoimmune conditions, allergies and certain cancers.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Causes" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:LVZHU78R5M1Q7D6dUhDYqh:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>causes pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-causes">Causes</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The cause of pediatric white blood cell disorders depends on the type of white blood cell that's affected.</p> </section> <section> <title>Neutropenia</title> <p>Cancer and conditions that damage bone marrow can cause this low neutrophil count. Certain medicines, infections and other conditions also can cause neutropenia.</p> </section> <section> <title>Lymphocytopenia</title> <p>Syndromes passed through families, known as inherited syndromes, can cause too few lymphocytes. Lymphocytopenia also is linked with infections, cancer and conditions in which the body attacks its own tissue, called autoimmune conditions. And it can be a side effect of some medicines or other treatments.</p> </section> <section> <title>Monocyte disorders</title> <p>Infections, cancer, autoimmune diseases and other conditions can cause a rise in the number of monocytes. Toxins, chemotherapy and other causes can result in too few monocytes.</p> </section> <section> <title>Eosinophilia</title> <p>Allergic reactions, skin conditions or infections with parasites are the most common causes of having too many eosinophil cells.</p> </section> <section> <title>Basophilic disorders</title> <p>Allergic reactions or infections can lower the number of basophils. Certain types of blood cancer and other conditions can raise the number of basophils.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/RiskFactors" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:WLS6zKSggEsXU1q9Aj22Gj:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>risk factors pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-risk-factors">Risk factors</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The following factors can raise the risk of pediatric white blood cell disorders:</p> <ul> <li>Family history.</li> <li>Infections.</li> <li>Cancer.</li> <li>Allergies.</li> <li>Conditions in which the body attacks its own cells, called autoimmune conditions.</li> <li>Certain medicines.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Diagnosis" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:Fyybeo3P9wd1MzarNEAFxT:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>diagnosis pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-diagnosis">Diagnosis</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Diagnosis of pediatric white blood cell disorder involves a detailed medical history and physical exam. Blood tests are key to diagnosing pediatric white blood cell disorders. Your healthcare professional may order other tests depending on the suspected cause.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Treatment" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:21pDrxj1pL2bME9NUbSWQo:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>treatment pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-treatment">Treatment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Treatment depends on the type of condition caused by the high or low white blood cell count and the underlying cause. Treatment for infection might involve antibiotics or antiviral or antifungal medicines.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/AppointmentPreparation" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:9c5Wm9kHTjzaHpfNdz7xot:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>preparing for your appointment pediatric white blood cell disorder</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-prep-for-appt">Preparing for your appointment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>If your child has symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your child's main healthcare professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.</p> </section> <section> <title>What you can do</title> <p>Make a list of:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Your child's symptoms,</b> including any that seem don't seem linked to the reason for your appointment, and when they began.</li> <li> <b>Key personal information,</b> including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.</li> <li> <b>All medicines, vitamins or other supplements</b> your child takes, including the dosages.</li> <li> <b>Questions to ask</b> your child's healthcare professional.</li> </ul> <p>For pediatric white blood cell disorders, you might ask:</p> <ul> <li>What's the likely cause of my child's symptoms?</li> <li>What are other possible causes?</li> <li>What tests does my child need?</li> <li>Is this condition likely to go away or to last?</li> <li>What's the best course of action?</li> <li>Are there restrictions my child needs to follow?</li> <li>Should I take my child to a specialist?</li> <li>Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you suggest?</li> </ul> <p>Be sure to ask all the questions you have.</p> </section> <section> <title>What to expect from your doctor</title> <p>Your child's healthcare professional may ask you questions, such as:</p> <ul> <li>Does your child always have symptoms or do they come and go?</li> <li>How bad are the symptoms?</li> <li>What, if anything, seems to make the symptoms better?</li> <li>What, if anything, seems to make the symptoms worse?</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsReference contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/References" policy="did:mcid:PSBqUqh1beYTTzK4zCjhC4;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-04-19T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:KfvBhTfgZPygpNYQJqEVCU:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>references pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-references">References</titleSimple> </titlealts> <prolog> <footnotes> <fn>Hoffman R, et al. Neutrophilic leukocytosis, neutropenia, monocytosis, and monocytopenia. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 20, 2024.</fn> <fn>White blood cell. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/white-blood-cell?redirect=true. Accessed Nov. 20, 2024.</fn> <fn>Neutropenia (low white blood cell count). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/low-blood-counts/neutropenia.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2024.</fn> <fn>Understanding blood counts. Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Accessed Nov. 20. 2024.</fn> <fn>Coates TD. Overview of neutropenia in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Nov. 20. 2024.</fn> <fn>Kumar V, et al., eds. Diseases of white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. In: Robbins &amp; Cotran Pathological Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 21, 2024.</fn> <fn>Coates TD. Approach to the child with lymphocytosis or lymphocytopenia. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Nov. 20, 2024.</fn> <fn>Monocytopenia. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/leukopenias/monocytopenia. Accessed Nov. 21, 2024.</fn> <fn>Eosinophilia. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/eosinophilic-disorders/eosinophilia. Accessed Nov. 21, 2024.</fn> <fn>Miyake K, et al. Role of basophils in a broad spectrum of disorders. Frontiers in Immunology. 2022; doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.902494.</fn> <fn>Nimmagadda R. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Dec. 31, 2023.</fn> </footnotes> </prolog> </hecsReference> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/CareMayoClinic" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:6obR4vyCmuDxx8SVzBMffm:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>care at mayo pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleCustom>Pediatric white blood cell disorders care at Mayo Clinic</titleCustom> </titlealts> <conbody> <section> <title> <keyword keyref="sectionTitle-your-mayo-care-team">Your Mayo Clinic care team</keyword> </title> <p>Your multispecialty team of experts may include <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pediatric-hematology-oncology/sections/overview/ovc-20564333" keyref="org-pediatric-hematology-oncology-overview" scope="external">pediatric hematology/oncology specialists</xref>, as well as other pediatric experts in immunodeficiencies and infectious diseases. The team works together to provide exceptional care for children and support for families. <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/campus-buildings-maps/mayo-eugenio-litta-childrens-hospital" keyref="patientVisitorGuide-mn-eugenio-litta-childrens-center" scope="external">Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital</xref> provides child and family-friendly, state-of-the-art inpatient care.</p> </section> <section> <title> <keyword keyref="sectionTitle-advanced-diagnosis-treatment">Advanced diagnosis and treatment</keyword> </title> <p>Pediatric hematology specialists at Mayo have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating both common and unusual causes of pediatric white blood cell disorders. Your Mayo Clinic doctors have access to specialized lab tests and may work with immunologists and infectious disease experts to find the best treatment approach. For diagnostic tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of too much radiation.</p> </section> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/ExpertiseRanking" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:RvHvRufChDgBq7fYe7VcHw:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>expertise rankings pediatric white blood cell disorders</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-expertise-and-rankings">Expertise and rankings</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <ul> <li> <b>Newest technology.</b> At Mayo Clinic, your doctor will have access to specialized lab tests and may work with immunologists and infectious disease experts to find the best treatment approach. The Cellular and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, which is part of the <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/primary-immunodeficiency-center-minnesota/sections/overview/ovc-20564246" keyref="org-primary-immunodeficiency-center-minnesota" scope="external">Primary Immunodeficiency Center</xref> at Mayo Clinic, provides the most modern and cutting-edge testing to identify underlying causes of many white blood cell disorders.</li> <li> <b>Research to improve treatment.</b> Mayo Clinic experts conduct and participate in the latest research on pediatric white blood cell disorders.</li> <li> <b>Experience.</b> Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat more than 600 children with white blood cell disorders every year.</li> </ul> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <metadata> <hasPoCID>CON-20305516</hasPoCID> <primaryIdentifier>did:mcid:QtyqD38aAKe3CY9j2UTc9t:1.20</primaryIdentifier> <workId>did:mcid:HpGajkCyzAozrnMNHW9xQc:2026-10-09</workId> <language>en</language> <publicationStatus>Done</publicationStatus> <issuedOn>2006-10-06T05:00:00.000-05:00</issuedOn> <reissuedOn>2025-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:00</reissuedOn> <mapPath>/content/dam/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/p-r/pediatric-white-blood-cell-disorders/pediatric-white-blood-cell-disorders.ditamap</mapPath> <manifestationID>did:mcid:L9bLk6rxEEUZmHYdt5ySWG:2026-10-09-0706</manifestationID> <seoDescription>Many factors can cause too few or too many white blood cells. Find out more about these conditions in children.</seoDescription> <seoUrlKeyword>pediatric-white-blood-cell-disorders</seoUrlKeyword> <policy>did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB</policy> <reviewedOn>2025-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:00</reviewedOn> <contentType>http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/GeneralAudienceConditionGuide</contentType> <seoTitle/> <hideAppointmentButton>false</hideAppointmentButton> <hideThirdPartyAds>false</hideThirdPartyAds> <index>true</index> </metadata> </merged>