"Can persistent low-grade fever lead to leukemia?"
Long-Term Low-Grade Fever and Leukemia
Long-term low-grade fever generally does not lead to leukemia. There are numerous causes of low-grade fever, commonly including disorders of the autonomic nervous system, infections, and connective tissue diseases. Leukemia, on the other hand, is a malignant neoplasm of the hematopoietic system that results in abnormal proliferation of white blood cells and suppression of normal bone marrow hematopoiesis.
1. Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System: Long-term low-grade fever may be attributed to disorders of the autonomic nervous system, where patients often experience impaired thermoregulation. However, this condition does not directly cause leukemia, and it is essential to rule out other potential illnesses.
2. Infection: Long-term low-grade fever may stem from infections, such as viral or bacterial infections. As the body fights these infections, white blood cell counts may increase, contributing to persistent low-grade fever. If the infection is not adequately controlled, the risk of leukemia may increase.
3. Connective Tissue Diseases: Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, can cause abnormal immune reactions leading to long-term low-grade fever, accompanied by symptoms like rash, joint pain, and facial erythema. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to multi-system damage and increase the risk of developing leukemia.
4. Other Causes: Blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and megaloblastic anemia can cause low white blood cell counts and long-term low-grade fever. Some patients with lymphoma may also experience this symptom. In cases of long-term low-grade fever, it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo relevant tests, including blood count and bone marrow examination.
If the low-grade fever is caused by infection, antibiotics like cefixime can be prescribed. For immune disorders, cyclophosphamide or other medications may be administered under medical supervision. Patients with blood or connective tissue diseases should follow their doctor's treatment plan and prioritize rest to avoid overexertion.
