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Neutropenia - infants

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of white blood cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils help the body fight infection. This article discusses neutropenia in infants.

Causes    Return to top

Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Low levels of neutrophils occur when the bone marrow cannot replace them as fast as needed. A very severe infection may also prevent the bone marrow from producing more neutrophils.

In babies, the most common cause of neutropenia is infection.

Occasionally, a non-sick infant will have a low neutrophil count for no apparent reason. Some disorders in the pregnant mother, such as preeclampsia, can also lead to neutropenia in infants.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A small sample of the baby's blood will be sent to the laboratory for a complete blood count (CBS) and blood differential. A CBC reveals the number and type of red and white cells in the blood. The differential helps determine the number of different types of white blood cells in a blood sample.

Treatment    Return to top

The source of the infection should be identified and treated.

In many cases, non-severe neutropenia goes away on its own as the bone marrow recovers and begins to produce enough white blood cells.

In rare cases when the neutrophil count is low enough to be life threatening, the following treatments may be recommended:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome of the baby depends on the underlying cause of the neutropenia. Infection in newborns can certainly be life threatening. A simple blood infection or pneumonia usually does not cause long-term side effects after the neutropenia goes away or is successfully treated.

Update Date: 11/27/2007

Updated by: Deirdre O’Reilly, M.D., M.P.H., Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

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