[Immune granulocytopenia in children]

Abstract

Immune neutropenia in infancy comprises alloimmune neutropenia and autoimmune neutropenia. Both diseases are caused by granulocyte-specific antibodies. Patients are newborns and children, often being younger than three years. Neutropenia usually leads to recurrent mild bacterial infections. Beside the blood count and the bone-marrow smear demonstration of granulocyte-specific antibodies is typical. As neutropenia is self-limiting, most patients require only conservative management. In more severe cases interventions with high-doses of intravenous immunoglobulin or corticoid-therapy are indicated.