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Neutropenia - infants

• Overview
• Treatment

Treatment:

The source of the infection should be identified and treated. In rare cases when the neutrophil count is low enough to be life threatening, the following treatments may be recommended:

• Replacement (tranfusion) of white blood cells using donated blood
• Medicines to stimulate white blood cell production
• Antibodies from donated blood samples (intravenous immune globulin)

Expectations (prognosis):

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 is successfully treated.

• Review Date: 10/23/2006
• Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, JD, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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