Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Leukopaenia means a low white cell count, & is quite common in lupus patients.

If a patient's white blood cell count falls below 3000, they are thought to have leukopaenia, & it may suggest that they are about to have a flare.

Corticosteroids can be given to bring the white cell level back to normal.
But if the cell count is low because the patient is receiving chemotherapy, a chemical called cytokine may be administered in order to bring the cell count back to normal, thereby preventing fever or infection.