Clinical Diagnosis · Haematological System · Medium
Neutropenia
Meaning: An abnormally low count of the most common infection-fighting white blood cells, raising the risk of serious infection.
In practice: Fever during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is a medical emergency requiring antibiotics within an hour.
Word parts
- -penia means too few, a deficiency
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A usually mild viral illness with rash and swollen glands that can cause serious birth defects if caught in pregnancy.
Answer: Rubella
Which word means: Involuntary, uncontrolled writhing or jerking movements.
Answer: Dyskinesia
Words like neutropenia come up in the daily game
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