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Review
. 2016 Jan;23(1):1-4.
doi: 10.1097/MOH.0000000000000208.

How I diagnose and treat neutropenia

David C Dale  1
Affiliations
Review

How I diagnose and treat neutropenia

David C Dale. Curr Opin Hematol. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Neutropenia absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1.5 × 10(9)/l is a common hematological finding, and severe neutropenia, that is, ANC less than 0.5 × 10(9)/l is a well known risk factor for susceptibility to bacterial infections. This review provides a succinct clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neutropenia with specific recommendations on the treatment of severe chronic neutropenia with the myeloid growth factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Recent findings: Experts agree that patients with acute febrile neutropenia should be treated with antibiotics and that patients at high risk of severe neutropenia (>20% risk) after myelosuppressive chemotherapy should be treated prophylactically with a myeloid growth factor, usually G-CSF. The diversity of causes and consequences of chronic neutropenia make the diagnosis and management of these patients more complicated.

Summary: The review provides a stepwise approach to neutropenia focusing first on reaching a provisional diagnosis and treatment plan then steps to a final diagnosis. It also provides specific recommendations on the treatment of severe chronic neutropenia with G-CSF.

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References

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