The number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in relation to gestational age in the newborn

173 distressed newborn infants without evidence of bacterial infection were investigated at 12-hour intervals for the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the first 5 days of life. The results showed a significant difference in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in relation to both gestational and post natal ages. The study stresses the necessity of taking into account these differences in interpreting neutropenia as a sign of bacterial infection in neonates.