A computerized system for the identification of alloimmune neutropenia in neonates

In an attempt to determine the incidence of alloimmune neonatal neutropenia, a systematic study was initiated during a period of six months. Complete blood count, differential and absolute neutrophil count of all the newborns were determined to identify the newborns with neutropenia and those with persistent neutropenia were evaluated for the presence of maternal neutrophil antibodies. This resulted in the design and use of a computerized system which was successfully employed to identify several neonates born with this disorder. The system includes a main program and eight functional options, and is operated under a secret authority code so that patients' data are accessible only to the investigators. The major functional options are: create, display, update and delete a record for the newborn; display most recent neutropenic babies; search all records and display name and ID number; search all records for a given year and display data; and perform statistics. The statistical analysis includes the total number of babies, both normal and those with neutropenia, the total number of babies with neutropenia and with/without sepsis, and those with persistent neutropenia. Also included are the hematological data consisting of complete blood count and differential of all of the newborns. Several possibilities exist to expand and extend the program for additional research-related purposes.