CHRONIC NEUTROPENIA IN SIBLINGS: THE EFFECT OF STEROIDS

Abstract

Two cases of chronic noncyclic, non-drug-induced, nonsplenic neutropenia in siblings, whose mother has disseminated lupus erythematosus, are presented. A splenectomy, antibiotics and blood transfusions were of no benefit to the first patient who succumbed to sepsis in the pre-steroid era. The second patient did not improve until adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisone were administered. The use of steroid therapy in similar cases of leukopenia is suggested.