An overview of the main causes of neutropenia in childhood

Neutropenia is a disorder characterized by a reduction of the absolute count of circulating neutrophils below the normal limits identified for age and race. Neutropenia can be classified in acquired or congenital, acute or chronic. It can be mild, moderate or severe, based on neutrophil count. Diagnosis requires a careful history and physical examination and the further diagnostic approach must be tailored on the neutrophil count and on the diagnostic hypotheses. Therapy with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor is recommended in patients with severe chronic neutropenia or in chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is indicated in selected patients. Fever in neutropenic patients is a medical emergency, however its management is still debatable.