Alloimmune granulocytopenia in three newborn infants of two families

Two infants of one family and one infant of another with neonatal alloimmune granulocytopenia are described. All of the infants had mild infections, two of them mild pyogenic skin infections. Total leukocyte counts were within the normal range in all cases. The absolute neutrophil count was 0-0.2 x 10(9)/l and remained subnormal up to nine weeks. Both mothers had antibodies against their husbands' granulocytes. Detection of the antibody made it possible to postpone more invasive examinations. Parents should be examined if neutropenia in a newborn infant cannot be attributed to a normal cause such as an infection.