[Autoimmune neutropenia: clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy]

Autoimmune neutropenia is a rare immunohematological disorder occurring as an idiopathic as well as a symptomatic variety associated with different diseases. Autoimmune neutropenia has previously been reported predominantly in adults, but is now found more frequently in young children. The neutropenia usually leads to recurrent mild bacterial infections. Apart from blood count and bone marrow evaluation assessment of granulocyte-specific antibodies is essential for establishing the diagnosis. As the infectious complications in these patients often are not life-threatening and neutropenia in children is usually self-limiting, therapy with antibiotics is sufficient in most patients. In more severe cases interventions with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroid therapy are indicated.