[G-CSF therapy in a neonate with alloimmune neutropenia]

Right after birth a normal birth weight neonate was found to be neutropenic. Alloimmune neutrocytopenia was diagnosed by detection of specific antibodies against the neutrophil antigen NA1 in maternal serum. In spite of antibiotic and surgical treatment the child developed progressive gluteal cellulitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Experimental therapy with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) at a dosage of 10 micrograms/kg body weight was initiated and continued for 7 days. A significant increase of absolute neutrophil count was observed. The inflammation resolved and the wound healed without further complications. Neutrophil counts continued to rise and were within normal limits after the 6th month. This is the first reported case of a neonate with alloimmune neutropenia treated with G-CSF.