P. Fister
Klinični oddelek za neonatologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

V. Amon Prodnik
Zdravstveni dom Ravne na Koroškem, Otroški dispanzer, Ravne na Koroškem

B. Faganel Kotnik
Klinični oddelek za otroško hematologijo in onkologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

Abstract

Neutropenia is a condition with a decreased number of neu- trophils in the blood. Neutrophils (neutrophil granulocytes) are cells of inborn immunity and they protect an organism against bacterial infections through their action in the process of phagocytosis. In the neonatal period, the physiology of neutrophils is different from that in are morphologically similar to those of older children or adults, however, there are significant functional differences among them. According to the mechanism of origin, we separate neutropenia because of decreased neutrophil production in the bone marrow and neutropenia due to increased neutrophil destruction (utilisation). Neutropenia can evolve from numerous (clinical and other) causes, therefore it is important to recognise the condition and to make a proper clinical assessment in order to provide appropriate treatment.

Key words: neonate, neutropenia, neutrophil activation, leukocyte count, reference values, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, intravenous immunoglobulins.