Overview

Neutropenia occurs when the level of certain white blood cells in the blood drops below normal. White blood cells defend your child’s body against harmful agents and children with neutropenia are susceptible to frequent infections that can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.

Neutropenia in children and teens is not very common, so community doctors usually have limited knowledge of the disease. This is why almost all children with neutropenia in the United States receive treatment at one of the children’s cancer centers that make up the Children’s Oncology Group. Children diagnosed with neutropenia are treated at SCCA's parent organization, Seattle Children's.

Children's blood disorders programs brings together experts from more than 20 subspecialties to provide diagnostic services and treatments, including the very latest options. The team of pediatric hematologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, child life specialists, and chaplains partner with you to provide expert, family-centered care and compassionate support. We help you understand your child's health and treatment options because you, your child, and your family are an important part of the care team.

Because Children's doctors take part in national and international research studies, and often lead them, Children's can offer new treatment options that many other hospitals cannot give their patients. In 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Children's cancer program #5 in the nation.

Read more about neutropenia on the Seattle Children's web site.

To make an appointment, call Seattle Children's at (206) 977-2106.