Letter in Reply: Gestation-wise Reference Ranges of Neutrophil Counts in Indian Newborns

摘要

We thank Dr. Al-Mendalawi for his comments on our study of gestation-wise reference ranges of neutrophil counts in Indian newborns. The main objective of our study was to generate normative data for neutrophil counts in Indian neonates, taking cognizance of the fact that such data are lacking in the Indian context. As noted by the author, our study had its share of limitations, including being a single-center hospital-based study with a limited sample size and lack of serial neutrophil count from day one to seven. Our esteemed reader has rightfully observed that India is a multiethnic country, and therefore, we should have looked at possible ethnic variations in newborn neutrophil counts. There can indeed be ethnic variations in blood cell counts – a condition called benign ethnic neutropenia is reported in the literature that is characterized by low absolute neutrophil count. This may affect as much as 25% to 50% of persons of African descent and some ethnic groups in the Middle East. At the same