Description

A neonate with lymphopenia may have severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).


Lymphopenia at birth is defined as an umbilical absolute lymphocyte count < 3,000 per microliter. This was seen in about 2% of neonates in the study group.

 

Persistent lymphopenia was defined as an absolute lymphopenia on a repeat CBC in a follow-up specimen during the first month after birth.

 

A neonate with persistent lymphopenia should be tested for SCID unless there is another diagnosis that explains the lymphopenia better.


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