Pediatric White Blood Cell Disorders

Diagnosis

The doctor may prescribe the following tests based on the type of white blood cell disorder affecting the child:

• Blood tests to evaluate the quantity and morphology (appearance) of white blood cells
• Bone marrow testing

To confirm or exclude specific conditions, doctors might also recommend additional specialized tests, such as:

• Various leukocyte function tests
• A stool sample to check for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

Once all tests have been completed, hematologists will be able to recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Treatment

The treatment approach depends on the underlying issue (whether acquired or congenital), its severity, and potential outcomes. Treatment options may include:

• Oral or intravenous antibiotics to treat infections
• Colony-stimulating factors to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells

For severe congenital conditions, a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant may be considered. This procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor, although it is not suitable for everyone. The success of a transplant is influenced by factors such as how closely the donor matches the child; siblings who are matched provide the best chances, with a 1-in-4 likelihood of being a suitable donor. The decision to proceed with a transplant should be made in consultation with your child’s hematologist and a stem cell transplant team.