Prevalence and outcome of lymphopenia in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Aim: Leukopenia (lymphopenia or neutropenia) may be an important marker of altered immunity and risk in children with critical illness. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, course, and outcome of leukopenia in children admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: All consecutive children (n = 200) admitted to PICU for any reason except malignancy or pre-existing immune deficiency were enrolled during June–August 2018. Results: Median (interquartile range) age was 2.2 (0.6–8.5) years. About 52% (n = 103) had undergone a surgical procedure; 34% (n = 68) being cardiac surgery. Among medical illnesses, respiratory disorders were the most common (n = 39, 20%). Laboratory confirmed ..