What is cyclic neutropenia characterized by?

Cyclic neutropenia is characterized by periodic reductions in circulating neutrophils, which can occur in cycles of approximately 21 days. During these cycles, the neutrophil counts in the blood decrease significantly, leading to an increased risk of infections and other related complications. This condition is caused by an inherited mutation that affects the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow, resulting in the cyclic nature of the neutrophil deficiency. It is important to recognize that while other factors like chronic periodontal disease may arise as a secondary issue due to the reduced immunity, the hallmark of cyclic neutropenia is the fluctuation and periodic reduction in the number of neutrophils.