[35] Literature given by A. Fraenkel.
V. DIMINUTION OF THE WHITE BLOOD CORPUSCLES (LEUKOPENIA).
Diminution of the white blood corpuscles plays—comparatively with their increase—a very unimportant rôle in clinical observations. It occurs in but few groups of diseases, and but seldom attains a marked degree. Koblanck has described a most marked fall in the number of the colourless cells, in the following remarkable blood condition. In a strong man, 25 years of age, whose internal organs were found to be healthy, short epileptiform attacks occurred, in one of which death took place. The autopsy gave no indication of the cause of death. Two examinations of the blood were made in the course of the three days he was under observation. In one of these, out of ten cover-glass preparations, not a single white blood corpuscle was found, and in the second only one example.
We have mentioned this case here, because it is remarkable as an extreme leukopenia never before observed. An explanation however is impossible owing to the obscurity of the general clinical condition.
For the rest the conditions, under which a considerable diminution of the leucocytes occurs, are very well-known. We distinguish two chief groups:
1. Leukopenia from destruction of a portion of the white blood corpuscles (Löwit);
2. Leukopenia from deficient inflow of white corpuscles:
α. in infectious diseases from negative chemiotaxis;