Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Neutrophils have an important role in host defense and acute inflammation. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below the normal level by age and race is defined as neutropenia. Neutropenia is not uncommon in childhood. The present study evaluated cases of neutropenia and fever in children. Materials & Methods: Fifty two consecutive children with neutropenia were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory features were analyzed. Results: Age group 10-12 years had 7 boys and 4 girls, 12-14 years had 10 boys and 5 girls and 14-16 years had 15 boys and 6 girls. The main cause of neutropenia was bacterial in 27, viral in 10, fungal in 8, drugs in 4 and autoimmune in 3 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Out of 104 patients, 46 survived and 8 died. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There is great etiological heterogeneity of neutropenia in children. Authors found that maximum cases were seen in boys and age group 14-16 years. Neutropenia remains a disease of concern to pediatricians, requiring several laboratory investigations, prolonged follow-up, and, in few cases, advanced molecular methods.