[Neutrocytopenia in childhood].

In the paediatric patient neutropenia most often appears to be a transient symptom due to different non-haematological disorders. Persistent neutropenia, however, indicates a genuine disturbance of haemotopoiesis and myelopoiesis, respectively. The corresponding defects are either congenital or acquired, with clinical courses varying from asymptotic to life threatening disease. Diagnostic evaluation should comprise all methods available in order to obtain detailed classification of the type of neutropenic disorder. Therapeutic management is based on supprotive care. Immunosuppressive agents are discussed in patients with autoimmun neutropenia. For patients with severe congenital agranulocytosis bone marrow transplantation should be considered. In the future the availability of recombinant haematopoietic growth factors may provide a further therapeutic advantage.