Neutropenia Neutropenia is a rare haematological disorder where affected individuals have below normal numbers of circulating neutrophils which combat bacterial infections. Some individuals have a cyclical form of the condition whereby they are neutropenic for a period of about 3-7 days in a cycle of 21 days. These periods can vary. During periods of neutropenia, affected individuals can suffer from high fevers, lethargy and exhaustion, mouth ulcers and gingivitis as well as being highly susceptible to bacterial infections which can be life-threatening.
Prophylactic antibiotics are the first line treatment.
Studies using G-CSF have shown the effectiveness of this treatment in a great number of patients. This treatment needs to be supervised in a specialist centre and usually has to be administered daily. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has a consultant-led service for children with these problems. Inheritance patterns Sporadic event. We are a main source of information about rare disorders and are able to assist affected adults as well as children.