Disorders of Granulocyte Functions

Functional phagocyte disorders occur due to intrinsic neutrophil defects resulting from abnormal granulocyte development, defects in phagocytosis, or defects in chemotaxis. Abnormal phagocytic function can also originate from external causes that lead to suppression of neutrophil functions. Phagocyte disorders generally manifest with increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, but not viral infections. Most patients present during infancy, although the diagnosis may sometimes be delayed until late childhood depending on the severity of the disorder and the availability of diagnostic tests. The key to the successful management of phagocyte disorders include early diagnosis and early initiation of antibiotic to prevent and treat infections. In some disorders, treatments such as prophylactic antibiotics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor infusions, and hematopoietic cell transplantation maybe necessary.