basopeniaa

Basopenia is a hematologic finding defined by a lower-than-normal number of basophils in peripheral blood. Basophils are a rare type of white blood cell involved in immune responses and inflammatory processes, typically comprising less than 1% of circulating leukocytes. The normal absolute basophil count is roughly 0 to 0.2 x 10^9 per liter, but reference ranges vary by laboratory.

Diagnosis is made from a complete blood count with differential, with basopenia defined as an absolute basophil count below the laboratory’s lower reference limit. Inter-lab variability and transient factors can affect counts, and repeating tests may be used to confirm persistence or change.

Causes and associations of basopenia include a variety of conditions and states, often in the context of acute infections, stress, or medication effects such as corticosteroids; it can also be observed during pregnancy or in hyperthyroidism. Because basophil counts are influenced by multiple factors and basopenia is often non-specific, it may be incidental. In some cases it may reflect laboratory artifacts related to sample timing or handling.

Clinical significance is typically limited when basopenia is mild and isolated, and it usually does not cause symptoms or require treatment. If basopenia is persistent or marked, clinicians may investigate for underlying conditions that affect bone marrow production or basophil distribution, including systemic illness or hematologic disorders.

Management focuses on addressing any underlying condition if identified. Isolated basopenia without symptoms generally requires no specific therapy.

See also basophilia and white blood cell differential for related topics.