Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Neutrophils or polymorphonuclear leukocytes develop from the stem cells in the blood marrow. The present study was conducted to assess clinical profile of neutropenia in children. Materials & Methods: 64 patients with neutropenia (ANC less than 1500/mm3), in the age group 1 months to 18 years of both genders were included. Parameters such as the length of stay at hospital was recorded. Results: Out of 64 patients, males were 38 and females were 26. The mean ANC at admission in dengue was 1720 and at discharge was 1940, in malaria was 2062 at admission and 2210 at discharge, in enteric fever was 2214 at admission and 1642 at discharge. Severity was mild in 24, moderate in 28 and severe in 12. Duration of neutropenia was 2.4 days, 5.1 days and 8.3 days and hospital stays was 7.42 days, 8.12 days and 12.06 days respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Dengue fever and other acute viral illnesses were the most common cause of neutropenia in children.