A practical approach to evaluating and treating neutropenia in the neonatal intensive care unit.

ABSTRACT

Neutropenia is a relatively common problem in the NICU, recognized in as many as 8% of patients at some time during their hospital stay. In most instances, neutropenia among NICU patients is of short duration and has little influence on outcome. In other cases it is prolonged and severe, and constitutes a serious antimicrobial defense deficiency. When a neonatologist discovers a low blood neutrophil count, choices must be made regarding further evaluation and treatment. The authors hope that the information provided in this article is useful in making these choices.