Study of Early-Onset Neutropenia in Very Low-birth Weight Neonates as a Risk Factor for Candida Colonization

preterm neonates in NICUs are at high risk for sever fungal infections due to the immaturity of their immune system; invasive management techniques; the need for central vascular catheters (CVC) and endotracheal tubes; the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, H2-blockers and steroids; as well as the immaturity of skin and gut barriers that allow dissemination of Candida spp from sites of colonization (Kaufman and Manzoni 2010).The aim of our study is evaluation of the role of early onset neutropenia as a risk factor for candida colonization in very low birth weight neonates in NICU and the current role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in treatment of neonatal candidiasis.This case control study was conducted on forty four VLBW neonates admitted to NICU of Zagazig University Hospitals in one year duration started from April 2010 to March 2011 comparing two main group of VLBW neonates .Group I: Twenty two VLBW(<1500gm) neonates with early onset neutropenia (EON ) ,neutropenia in the 1st week of life and divided into two equal sub groups(A and B) and we gave recombinant granulcyte colony stimulating factor for eleven preterm (group IA) in dose 10 μg /kg daily SC for three consecutive days beside routine treatment and give routine treatment for (groupI B)..