Background: This study examined the incidence, outcome and risk factors of neutropenia in infants with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on infants with HDN.
Results: Of 69 evaluable infants, 45% developed neutropenia. Only one infectious complication was recorded. In most instances the neutropenia resolved spontaneously, but in seven infants it persisted for a median of 397 days. Males were at higher risk for developing neutropenia, but severity of HDN, antibody specificity, or therapy were not significant risk factors.
Conclusions: Neutropenia is a common feature of HDN, regardless of severity of disease, treatment received, or antibody specificity.
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