[Chronic neutropenia]

Chronic severe neutropenia can now be successfully treated with G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor). The granulocyte count is often normalised and the frequency of infections dramatically reduced. However, the congenital form of the disease has been observed to be associated with a substantial risk of acute leukaemia and osteoporosis, although it is not known whether this risk is intrinsic to the disease or related to the treatment. To improve the knowledge of the natural history of the disease and the benefits and risk of treatment, an international registry has been established. The authors of the article, who are Nordic liaison physicians for the registry, urge all those caring for patients with chronic neutropenia to contact them for discussions as to the inclusion of their patients into the register.