basopenia

Basopenia is an abnormally low number of basophils in peripheral blood. Basophils are a small type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory and allergic responses, releasing mediators such as histamine and heparin.

In a standard complete blood count with differential, basophils normally constitute about 0 to 1 percent of white blood cells, with an absolute basophil count typically well under 200 cells per microliter. Basopenia is defined as a basophil count below the laboratory’s lower reference limit or below an established absolute threshold.

Causes and context: Basopenia is generally a nonspecific and transient finding. It can occur with physiologic stress and after corticosteroid therapy or immunosuppressive treatment. It may be observed during acute infections or inflammatory states and in conditions that alter basophil release or distribution. Basopenia can also appear alongside other cytopenias or as a result of laboratory artifacts related to sample handling. When basophil counts are persistently low and accompanied by other abnormalities, clinicians may investigate for underlying hematologic or systemic disorders and medication effects.

Clinical significance and diagnosis: Basopenia by itself is not usually diagnostic. It is detected during a CBC with differential and interpreted in the context of symptoms, other blood results, and current medications. If basophil counts are chronically low, further evaluation may be guided by clinical judgment.

Treatment and prognosis: There is no specific treatment for basopenia. Management focuses on identifying and addressing any underlying cause. In many cases, basopenia is mild, transient, and without adverse consequences.