Lithium therapy for cyclic neutropenia in children.

2 children with cyclic neutropenia were treated with lithium carbonate. In one patient, fever and stomatitis were ameliorated, but the duration of neutropenia was increased and parotitis occurred. In another patient, aphthous stomatitis disappeared but fever persisted. The duration of neutropenia was prolonged and submaxillaritis and sinusitis occurred. Thus, lithium administration may lead to complications when the duration of neutropenia is prolonged. We recommend discontinuation of the drug, even in the presence of amelioration of symptoms.