Severe Congenital Neutropenia (SCN)

Dr. Reem Saadeh Haddad, MD - Clinical Genetics, Genomics, Cytogenetics, Biochemical Genetics Specialist Dr. Reem Saadeh Haddad, MD - Clinical Genetics, Genomics, Cytogenetics, Biochemical Genetics Specialist
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Rx Blood, Metabolism, and Hormonal Diseases (A - Z)

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare disorder present from birth where the body makes far too few neutrophils, the white blood cells that first fight bacteria and many fungi. Because neutrophils are low from the start of life, babies and children with SCN get frequent, deep, and sometimes life-threatening infections—skin abscesses, mouth ulcers and gum infections, pneumonia, liver or deep tissue abscesses—and often need urgent antibiotics. Doctors diagnose it using repeated blood counts that show very low absolute neutrophil count (ANC), bone-marrow tests that show a “maturation arrest” of neutrophils, and genetic testing. The main approved medicine is filgrastim (G-CSF), which can raise neutrophil counts and reduce infections; some patients who need very high doses or develop bone-marrow changes may need stem-cell (bone-marrow) transplant. Over many years, a subset of patients can evolve to myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML), so careful, long-term monitoring is standard. PMC+3MedlinePlus+3NCBI+3

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare, inherited blood disorder present from birth. In SCN, the body makes very few mature neutrophils—the white blood cells that quickly fight bacteria. Doctors usually find an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) well below 0.5 × 10⁹/L, often under 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Because neutrophils are missing, babies and children get frequent, sometimes life-threatening infections like skin abscesses, pneumonia, gum disease, and blood infections. When doctors look at the bone marrow, they often see that developing white cells stop maturing around the promyelocyte/myelocyte stage—this is called “maturation arrest.” SCN can be caused by changes (variants) in several different genes. It needs lifelong medical follow-up because there is also a known risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) over time. PubMed+2PMC+2

Other names

  • Kostmann disease / Kostmann syndrome (historical name for a classic recessive form). Lippincott Journals

  • ELANE-related neutropenia (when due to ELANE gene variants; may present as congenital or cyclic neutropenia). NCBI

  • Severe chronic neutropenia (umbrella clinical term sometimes used in registries; “congenital” specifies onset at birth/infancy). Digital Commons

Types

  1. By inheritance pattern and core gene

  • Autosomal dominant SCN—most commonly due to ELANE variants; often severe and lifelong. NCBI+1

  • Autosomal recessive SCN—classic Kostmann form often due to HAX1; other recessive genes also cause SCN (e.g., G6PC3, JAGN1, VPS45, SRP54). PMC+3PMC+3NCBI+3

  • X-linked forms—rare; certain WAS variants can present with congenital neutropenia. PMC+1

  1. By clinical spectrum

  • Isolated SCN—main problem is severe neutropenia and infections. PubMed

  • Syndromic SCN—neutropenia plus features like heart or urogenital anomalies (G6PC3), pancreatic issues (SRP54), neurologic signs (HAX1, CLPB, VPS45), facial traits (JAGN1). BioMed Central+3NCBI+3PMC+3

Causes

Each “cause” below is a gene/syndrome known to produce a congenital neutropenia phenotype. The short note explains the basic mechanism or hallmark features in plain words.

  1. ELANE (dominant) — misfolded neutrophil elastase stresses young neutrophils so they die early; most common cause of SCN. NCBI+1

  2. HAX1 (recessive) — failure of cell survival signals in early granulocytes leads to maturation arrest; may include neurologic symptoms in some variants. PMC

  3. G6PC3 (recessive) — problems in glucose handling and ER stress trigger neutrophil death; can include heart/urogenital anomalies or prominent veins. New England Journal of Medicine+1

  4. JAGN1 (recessive) — endoplasmic reticulum/glycosylation defects impair neutrophil development and function; sometimes facial traits or failure to thrive. PMC+1

  5. SRP54 (usually dominant-negative) — signal recognition particle defects block protein targeting, causing profound early-life neutropenia; may mimic pancreatic disease. PMC+1

  6. VPS45 (recessive) — vesicle-trafficking defects disrupt granule formation and immunity, causing SCN with immunodeficiency. ScienceDirect

  7. GFI1 (dominant) — transcription factor changes derail granulocyte development, causing SCN or marked neutropenia. PMC

  8. WAS / WIPF1 region variants (X-linked/related) — certain variants present primarily with neutropenia due to cytoskeletal and signaling defects. TestMenu

  9. CSF3R (germline) — rare inherited receptor abnormalities blunt G-CSF signaling needed for neutrophil production. (Note: somatic CSF3R can appear during leukemic evolution.) PMC

  10. CLPB (recessive) — mitochondrial chaperone defects may give SCN with neurologic features. jcp.bmj.com

  11. VPS13B (Cohen syndrome) — syndromic form with characteristic facial features and neutropenia. ScienceDirect

  12. SBDS (Shwachman-Diamond syndrome) — exocrine pancreas dysfunction plus marrow failure; neutropenia is common and can be severe. Wiley Online Library

  13. TAZ (Barth syndrome) — cardiomyopathy with intermittent/severe neutropenia due to mitochondrial lipid defects. (SDS/Barth are classic “overlap” marrow failure disorders.) Wiley Online Library

  14. CXCR4 (WHIM syndrome) — retention of neutrophils in marrow (“myelokathexis”) causes low blood neutrophils and recurrent warts/infections. PMC

  15. CXCR2 (rare) — receptor signaling problems impair neutrophil release/trafficking leading to neutropenia. Mayo Clinic Laboratories

  16. JAK/STAT pathway defects (rare in SCN) — select germline signaling defects can impair granulopoiesis; considered in undiagnosed cases with syndromic clues. (Inference from contemporary CN panels.) Mayo Clinic Laboratories

  17. DNA repair/ER stress pathway genes (additional rare genes) — newly reported genes continue to expand the SCN list; >30 genes now implicated. PMC

  18. VPS33B/other vesicle genes (very rare) — trafficking/granule biogenesis defects may present with neutropenia plus multisystem features. (Emerging literature.) ScienceDirect

  19. SRP complex partners (beyond SRP54) — rare variants may phenocopy SRP54 defects with early promyelocyte arrest. (Evolving nosology.) ASH Publications

  20. Undiscovered/unsolved genetic SCN — even with large panels, a proportion of patients still have no identified gene, confirming genetic heterogeneity. PMC

Common symptoms and signs

  1. Frequent fevers from infancy — because the first defense cells are missing, infections quickly cause high temperature spikes. PubMed

  2. Skin infections and abscesses — boils, cellulitis, and infected rashes are common because bacteria enter through minor breaks in skin. PubMed

  3. Mouth ulcers and gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) — the mouth is a frequent site of painful sores, swollen gums, and tooth loss over time. NCBI

  4. Ear, sinus, and throat infections — otitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis recur because local bacterial control is weak. NCBI

  5. Pneumonia — bacteria can reach the lungs and cause cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. PubMed

  6. Sepsis (blood infection) — serious, life-threatening infections can develop quickly, especially without early treatment. PubMed

  7. Poor weight gain or “failure to thrive” in some subtypes — chronic illness, feeding issues, or syndromic features (e.g., JAGN1) may limit growth. PMC

  8. Enlarged lymph nodes during infections — reactive nodes in the neck or armpits may appear with flares. NCBI

  9. Skin scars from repeated abscesses — healing after deep infections can leave marks and thickened skin. PubMed

  10. Chronic nasal discharge or cough — persistent bacterial colonization can cause ongoing symptoms between flares. NCBI

  11. Bone pain (some subtypes) — marrow stress or syndromic genes (e.g., VPS45) can produce aches. ScienceDirect

  12. Dental loss and bad breath — advanced gum disease damages tooth support and raises bacterial load. NCBI

  13. Skin redness/warmth around minor cuts — small wounds can become infected quickly and visibly. PubMed

  14. Low energy with infections — recurrent illness reduces activity and school attendance. PubMed

  15. Long-term risk signals (MDS/AML) — later in life, some patients develop bone-marrow changes or leukemia, so watch for new bruising, fatigue, or changing counts. PubMed

Diagnostic tests

A) Physical examination

  1. Full head-to-toe infection check — look for fever, breathing distress, rashes, abscesses, joint swelling, abdominal tenderness, or signs of sepsis to guide urgent care. PubMed

  2. Oral and dental exam — inspect for ulcers, gingivitis, and periodontal pockets that are highly suggestive of chronic neutropenia. NCBI

  3. Growth and nutrition review — measure weight/length, observe feeding; some genetic subtypes show poor growth or syndromic traits. PMC

  4. Skin and wound survey — document active and healed abscesses; photography helps track response. PubMed

  5. Lymph node and organ exam — check nodes, liver, and spleen; enlargement can accompany chronic infections. PubMed

B) Manual/bedside tests

  1. Temperature monitoring (home/clinic) — repeated fevers prompt cultures and antibiotics early. PubMed

  2. Pain and function scales — simple scales for mouth pain, chest pain, or bone pain help triage and trend. PubMed

  3. Growth-chart plotting — quick, manual plotting highlights failure to thrive or weight loss. PMC

  4. Oral hygiene assessment — plaque index/gum bleeding score supports the suspicion of neutrophil defects. NCBI

  5. Sepsis screens (bedside bundles) — repeated vitals, perfusion checks, and fluid responsiveness guide urgent antibiotics and cultures. PubMed

C) Laboratory & pathological tests

  1. Complete blood count (CBC) with differential — confirms very low ANC (typically <0.5 × 10⁹/L; often <0.2 × 10⁹/L). May show relative monocytosis or eosinophilia. Medscape

  2. Serial ANCs — multiple measurements over weeks confirm persistent severe neutropenia (distinguishes from transient causes). PubMed

  3. Inflammatory markers (CRP/ESR, procalcitonin) — help assess severity and response to treatment during infections. PubMed

  4. Blood/urine/stool cultures (as indicated) — identify bacteria and guide antibiotics during febrile episodes. PubMed

  5. Bone marrow aspirate/biopsy — hallmark finding is maturation arrest at promyelocyte/myelocyte stage; excludes other marrow diseases. PMC+1

  6. Cytogenetics/NGS for clonal changes — monitor for monosomy 7 or CSF3R mutations during follow-up because they can signal evolving MDS/AML. PubMed

  7. Comprehensive germline genetic panel — detects pathogenic variants in ELANE, HAX1, G6PC3, JAGN1, SRP54, VPS45, GFI1, WAS/WIPF1, CSF3R, CLPB, VPS13B, and others; now >30 genes recognized. Mayo Clinic Laboratories+2cincinnatichildrens.org+2

  8. Functional neutrophil assays (selected cases) — chemotaxis/oxidative burst tests can characterize defects (e.g., impaired killing in G6PC3). ASH Publications

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

  1. ECG — not for diagnosing SCN itself, but useful in syndromic forms (e.g., Barth syndrome) or when sepsis may affect the heart; baseline cardiac monitoring is prudent in some subtypes. (Supportive/adjunctive use.) Wiley Online Library

  2. EEG/EMG/Nerve conduction (when neurologic signs) — certain genes (e.g., HAX1, CLPB, VPS45) can have neurologic features; electrodiagnostics help document seizures or neuropathy if present. (Adjunctive.) ScienceDirect

E) Imaging tests

  1. Chest X-ray/CT for pneumonia or lung abscess, ultrasound/CT for deep abscesses, and echocardiography in syndromic forms or severe sepsis workups are frequently performed as part of infection evaluation and baseline organ assessment. PubMed

Non-pharmacological treatments

  1. Infection action plan. Families get a written plan: measure fever, seek urgent care for any fever, and start cultures promptly. This fast response reduces complications while the ANC is low. PMC

  2. Hand and oral hygiene. Twice-daily tooth-brushing, flossing when possible, antimicrobial mouth rinses per dentist, and handwashing before meals lower mouth and skin infections—two top risk sites in SCN. NCBI

  3. Skin care. Gentle cleansing of any cut, early warm compresses for boils, and quick medical review if redness spreads. This limits deep abscess formation common in SCN. NCBI

  4. Vaccinations (routine). Keeping routine, non-live vaccines up-to-date protects against common pathogens; household contacts should also be up-to-date to create a protective “ring.” (Live vaccines are individualized.) PMC

  5. Dental review schedule. Regular dental cleanings and prompt treatment of gingivitis/periodontitis reduce bacterial load and prevent invasive oral infections. NCBI

  6. Safe food and water. Avoid unpasteurized dairy, undercooked meats, and unsafe water to cut gastrointestinal infections that can seed the blood in profound neutropenia. PMC

  7. Household infection control. Don’t share razors or toothbrushes; clean frequently touched surfaces; keep sick contacts at distance during fevers to reduce exposure. PMC

  8. Catheter avoidance when possible. Indwelling lines are infection portals; avoid unless essential and maintain strict sterile care if needed. PMC

  9. Fever education. Teach that fever in SCN is a medical emergency; early evaluation allows timely IV antibiotics before sepsis develops. PMC

  10. Sun-and-skin check habit. Regular self-checks find small skin infections early; prompt drainage/culture reduces spread. NCBI

  11. School/day-care planning. Provide the action plan to schools so fevers and wounds get same-day attention and parents are called early. PMC

  12. Travel prep. Carry a summary letter, thermometer, and plan for nearby hospital care; infections can escalate quickly when far from home. PMC

  13. Nutrition basics. Balanced calories and protein support healing during and after infections; no specific “SCN diet” is proven to raise ANC. PMC

  14. Avoid unnecessary live bacteria exposures. Pet scratches/bites or farm visits raise risk of deep infections; take precautions and seek care quickly after bites. PMC

  15. Prophylaxis adherence (if prescribed). When specialists choose targeted antibiotic prophylaxis, adherence is key to prevent resistant breakthrough infections. PMC

  16. Dental fluoride and chlorhexidine (as advised). Low-risk measures that reduce oral bacterial burden and ulcers in chronically neutropenic mouths. NCBI

  17. Household smoking avoidance. Smoke exposure worsens respiratory infection risk; smoke-free homes help. PMC

  18. Wound-care kits at home. Saline, sterile gauze, and clear dressing routines reduce contamination before clinic review. PMC

  19. Routine specialist follow-up. Hematology + dentistry + infectious-disease review supports prevention, dosing, and surveillance for clonal changes. PMC

  20. Psychosocial support. Chronic infection risk is stressful; counseling and support groups help families maintain daily prevention routines. PMC

Drug treatments

Important context. In the U.S., the only drug class FDA-approved specifically for severe chronic neutropenia (including congenital) is filgrastim (G-CSF); other drugs below are supportive/off-label for treating infections or complications. I label each item FDA-approved for SCN vs supportive/off-label so you can see what is on-label. Always use the specialist’s plan. FDA Access Data

  1. Filgrastim (NEUPOGEN®) — FDA-approved for SCN. It is a lab-made G-CSF that tells the marrow to make neutrophils. Usual starting dose for congenital neutropenia: 6 mcg/kg twice daily subcutaneously, then tailored to keep ANC safe; chronic daily use is often needed. Benefits: fewer infections, fewer ulcers/abscesses. Side effects: bone pain, splenic enlargement/rare rupture, leukocytosis, vasculitis; SCN labeling warns about MDS/AML seen in the natural history and in treated patients—hence ongoing marrow monitoring. FDA Access Data

  2. Filgrastim-aafi (NIVESTYM®) — FDA documents indicate SCN indication. NIVESTYM is a filgrastim biosimilar; FDA’s review materials list severe chronic neutropenia among its indications (biosimilars undergo extrapolation from the reference product). Dosing mirrors filgrastim, and safety/monitoring are similar. (Check the current label; indications may be updated over time.) FDA Access Data

  3. Filgrastim-sndz (ZARXIO®) — filgrastim biosimilar (check label for current indications). ZARXIO labeling includes multiple filgrastim indications; clinicians often use it similarly to filgrastim with specialist oversight and payer policies. Verify whether SCN appears on the most current FDA label at time of prescribing. FDA Access Data

  4. Filgrastim (legacy labels)—clinical trial evidence within FDA label. The label’s clinical studies section summarizes decreased infectious morbidity in children and adults with the clinical syndrome of severe chronic neutropenia when treated daily with filgrastim. This is the core approval evidence for SCN drug therapy. FDA Access Data

  5. Broad-spectrum IV antibiotics during febrile neutropenia — supportive/off-label for SCN. When fever strikes, doctors start hospital IV antibiotics immediately (e.g., antipseudomonal beta-lactams), then tailor to cultures; this is standard neutropenia care though not SCN-specific FDA labeling. PMC

  6. Targeted oral antibiotics for skin/soft-tissue infections — supportive/off-label. Culture-guided agents (e.g., anti-staphylococcal) treat boils/cellulitis and prevent spread to blood. Choice depends on local resistance patterns. PMC

  7. Antifungals for proved or high-risk fungal infection — supportive/off-label. Because prolonged neutropenia increases fungal risk, clinicians add antifungals if fevers persist or cultures/imaging suggest fungi. PMC

  8. Antivirals when viruses complicate illness — supportive/off-label. Though bacteria are the classic risk, severe mucosal disease can also be viral; therapy follows standard ID guidance, not SCN-specific labeling. PMC

  9. Topical oral agents (chlorhexidine, anesthetic gels) — supportive. Reduce pain/bioburden from mouth ulcers and gingivitis that are common in SCN. NCBI

  10. Granulocyte transfusions (rare, bridge therapy) — supportive/off-label. Occasionally used for refractory life-threatening infections while waiting for marrow recovery or a transplant decision. PMC

  11. Penicillin-class prophylaxis (selected cases) — supportive/off-label. Some centers use targeted prophylaxis for recurrent infections; decisions are individualized to minimize resistance. PMC

  12. Topical or systemic MRSA-directed therapy when indicated — supportive. Used if cultures show resistant staph in recurrent boils. PMC

  13. Sinusitis regimens per culture/ENT guidance — supportive. Helps control a frequent infection site in SCN. NCBI

  14. Periodontal therapy with adjunct antibiotics — supportive. Treats periodontal disease that is otherwise persistent with low neutrophils. NCBI

  15. Growth factor dose-adjustment protocols — within FDA label for filgrastim. Labels outline dose adjustment based on ANC and long-term monitoring schedule (monthly in year 1, then less often if stable). FDA Access Data

  16. Pneumocystis prophylaxis if clinically indicated — supportive. Considered in selected cases by ID specialists depending on history and local practice. PMC

  17. IVIG (rare scenarios) — supportive/off-label. Used only when concurrent antibody problems exist; not routine in isolated SCN. PMC

  18. HSCT preparative regimens (not “drugs for SCN,” but part of curative care). Conditioning chemo drugs are not SCN-specific approvals; they enable donor stem cells to engraft and can cure marrow failure syndromes when G-CSF fails or clonal changes arise. PMC

  19. Pain control for bone pain from G-CSF — supportive. Simple analgesics help the most common side effect of filgrastim. FDA Access Data

  20. Splenic monitoring and counseling while on G-CSF — within FDA warnings. Labeling warns about splenic enlargement/rare rupture; clinicians check symptoms and exam and adjust therapy. FDA Access Data

Note: Pegfilgrastim and tbo-filgrastim labels focus on chemotherapy-related neutropenia and do not include congenital/SCN indications; clinicians should not assume SCN coverage without label confirmation. FDA Access Data

Dietary molecular supplements

There is no supplement proven to cure SCN or reliably raise ANC. Balanced nutrition helps healing, but supplements should not delay urgent antibiotics or G-CSF. Discuss any supplement with your hematology team to avoid interactions. PMC

  1. Vitamin D (adequacy). Deficiency is linked to infection risk in general; correcting low levels supports immune function, but it does not replace G-CSF in SCN. Typical maintenance doses follow national guidance. PMC

  2. Vitamin C (adequacy). Supports wound healing and collagen; benefits are general and not SCN-specific. High doses can cause GI upset or kidney stones. PMC

  3. Zinc (adequacy). Important for neutrophil function; correct deficiency only—excess zinc harms copper balance. PMC

  4. Folate/B12 (adequacy). Correcting deficiency helps blood cell production broadly; it does not fix genetic maturation arrest in SCN. PMC

  5. Protein-sufficient diet. Protein supports tissue repair during infections; no ANC-raising proof in SCN. PMC

  6. Iron (only if deficient). Treat iron deficiency anemia; avoid unnecessary iron during active infection unless directed. PMC

  7. Probiotics (caution). Live bacteria products pose theoretical infection risk in profound neutropenia; discuss carefully before use. PMC

  8. Omega-3s (general heart/anti-inflammatory). Neutral for ANC; may help general wellness. PMC

  9. Multivitamin (adequacy). A safety net when appetite is poor during illness; not a disease treatment. PMC

  10. Avoid high-dose herbal immunostimulants. Safety and contamination concerns outweigh unproven benefit in SCN. PMC

Immunity booster / regenerative / stem-cell drugs

Transparency first: In SCN, there are no FDA-approved “stem-cell” or “regenerative” drugs to boost immunity. The curative approach is hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT)—a procedure, not a drug. The only FDA-approved chronic drug therapy for congenital forms is filgrastim (and certain biosimilars per FDA documents). Below are accurate points aligned with FDA sources: FDA Access Data+1

  1. Filgrastim (NEUPOGEN®) — the cornerstone, FDA-approved for severe chronic neutropenia including congenital. Dose and monitoring as above. FDA Access Data

  2. Filgrastim-aafi (NIVESTYM®) — FDA review materials include severe chronic neutropenia among indications; prescribe using the most current FDA label. FDA Access Data

  3. Filgrastim (reference labeling history) — the clinical-studies section shows durable ANC rise and reduced infections in SCN. FDA Access Data

  4. ZARXIO® (filgrastim-sndz) — filgrastim biosimilar; check current FDA label for SCN before use. FDA Access Data

  5. tbo-filgrastim (GRANIX®) — not approved for congenital/SCN (chemo-related neutropenia only). FDA Access Data

  6. No FDA-approved “stem-cell drugs” for SCN. Regenerative drugs are not approved for this condition; curative therapy is HSCT (transplant) performed in experienced centers. PMC

Surgeries/procedures

  1. Hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT). Indicated when infections persist despite high-dose G-CSF, when cytogenetic abnormalities (e.g., monosomy 7) develop, or when MDS/AML evolves. It replaces the faulty marrow with a healthy donor’s stem cells and can be curative. PMC+1

  2. Incision and drainage of abscesses. Quickly evacuates pus to reduce bacterial load and speed antibiotic success in deep skin or soft-tissue infections. NCBI

  3. Dental surgeries (periodontal debridement/tooth extraction when required). Remove chronic infection sources that repeatedly seed the bloodstream. NCBI

  4. Sinus surgery (selected cases). For chronic, resistant sinusitis with anatomic blockage; reduces recurrent bacterial burden. PMC

  5. Central line placement (only when necessary). Used for repeated IV therapy; strict sterile care is vital to avoid line infections. PMC

Preventions

Keep vaccines current, practice strict oral/hand hygiene, clean and cover wounds, seek urgent care for any fever, avoid undercooked/unpasteurized foods, reduce exposures to sick contacts, maintain dental checkups, keep an infection action plan at school and travel, follow filgrastim and monitoring instructions exactly, and attend regular hematology visits for cytogenetic surveillance. NCBI+2FDA Access Data+2

When to see a doctor

Immediately for fever at any level, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapidly spreading skin redness/pain, mouth swelling with trouble swallowing, confusion, or lethargy—because SCN infections can escalate fast. Also contact your team for new bruising/bleeding (platelet issues), new left-upper-abdomen pain (spleen), or persistent bone pain while on G-CSF. PMC+1

Foods to eat / avoid

Eat: fully cooked meats/eggs, pasteurized dairy, well-washed fruits/vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and adequate protein for healing. Avoid: raw/undercooked meats or eggs, unpasteurized dairy/juices, raw sprouts, unwashed produce, and unsafe water/ice. These choices lower exposure to harmful germs during profound neutropenia. PMC

FAQs

1) What exactly is SCN? A genetic bone-marrow problem that blocks neutrophil maturation from birth, causing very low ANC and frequent deep infections. MedlinePlus
2) How is it diagnosed? Repeated CBCs, bone-marrow exam, and genetic testing; doctors also rule out other causes. FDA Access Data
3) What is the main treatment? Filgrastim (G-CSF), FDA-approved for severe chronic neutropenia including congenital forms. FDA Access Data
4) What dose do children start with? Label recommends 6 mcg/kg twice daily for congenital neutropenia, with adjustments by ANC and clinical course. FDA Access Data
5) Is long-term filgrastim safe? It reduces infections; monitoring is essential because MDS/AML has been reported in congenital neutropenia (natural history and in treated patients). FDA Access Data
6) Do biosimilars work the same? FDA review documents for NIVESTYM support SCN indication via extrapolation; confirm the current label when prescribing. FDA Access Data
7) Is pegfilgrastim approved for SCN? No—pegfilgrastim labels focus on chemotherapy/radiation settings, not congenital neutropenia. FDA Access Data
8) Will diet or vitamins fix SCN? No supplement cures SCN; nutrition supports healing but does not replace G-CSF or antibiotics. PMC
9) Why are mouth and skin infections so common? Neutrophils normally patrol these surfaces; without them, small breaks become deep infections. NCBI
10) When is HSCT used? When G-CSF fails (very high doses needed with poor control) or clonal changes/MDS/AML emerge; HSCT can be curative. PMC+1
11) How big is the leukemia risk? Registry reports show a meaningful long-term risk in congenital neutropenia—hence ongoing cytogenetic surveillance. PMC
12) Are live vaccines allowed? Decisions are individualized; routine inactivated vaccines are recommended, and household vaccines help protect the child. PMC
13) What side effects signal G-CSF problems? New left-upper-abdomen pain (spleen), severe bone pain, sudden breathing problems, or allergic reactions—seek care promptly. FDA Access Data
14) Can adults have SCN? Yes—many were diagnosed in childhood; some are identified later after a lifetime of infections. Genetics plus marrow testing clarify the type. NCBI
15) What specialists should follow me? Hematology leads, with infectious-disease, dentistry/ENT, and transplant teams as needed; regular follow-up is crucial. PMC

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: October 04, 2025.

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PDF Documents For This Disease Condition

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK208609/
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6279436/
  3. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/
  4. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Rare_diseases
  6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_genetic_disorders
  7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Genetic_diseases_and_disorders
  8. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/
  9. https://geneticalliance.org.uk/support-and-information/a-z-of-genetic-and-rare-conditions/
  10. https://www.fda.gov/patients/rare-diseases-fda
  11. https://www.fda.gov/science-research/clinical-trials-and-human-subject-protection/support-clinical-trials-advancing-rare-disease-therapeutics-start-pilot-program
  12. https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcph.2134
  13. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2823%2900116-7/fulltext
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?
  15. https://www.rarediseasesinternational.org/working-with-the-who/
  16. https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13023-024-03322-7
  17. https://www.rarediseasesnetwork.org/
  18. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/rare-disease
  19. https://www.raregenomics.org/rare-disease-list
  20. https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-therapy-areas/rare-disease.html
  21. https://bioresource.nihr.ac.uk/rare
  22. https://www.roche.com/solutions/focus-areas/neuroscience/rare-diseases
  23. https://geneticalliance.org.uk/support-and-information/a-z-of-genetic-and-rare-conditions/
  24. https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/genomic-medicine/understanding-genomics/rare-disease-genomics
  25. https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/cit/resources/genetic-rare-disorders/
  26. https://genomemedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13073-022-01026
  27. https://wikicure.fandom.com/wiki/Rare_Diseases
  28. https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/List_of_genetic_disorders
  29. https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/btbank/investigators/list-of-disorders/
  30. https://www.orpha.net/en/disease/list
  31. https://www.genetics.edu.au/SitePages/A-Z-genetic-conditions.aspx
  32. https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/
  33. https://health.ec.europa.eu/rare-diseases-and-european-reference-networks/rare-diseases_en
  34. https://bioportal.bioontology.org/ontologies/ORDO
  35. https://www.orpha.net/en/disease/list
  36. https://www.fda.gov/industry/medical-products-rare-diseases-and-conditions
  37. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-106774
  38. https://www.gene.com/partners/what-we-are-looking-for/rare-diseases
  39. https://www.genome.gov/For-Patients-and-Families/Genetic-Disorders
  40. https://geneticalliance.org.uk/support-and-information/a-z-of-genetic-and-rare-conditions/
  41. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21751-genetic-disorders
  42. https://globalgenes.org/rare-disease-facts/
  43. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/directory/national-organization-rare-disorders-nord
  44. https://byjus.com/biology/genetic-disorders/
  45. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics-and-health/about/genetic-disorders.html
  46. https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/doc-type/genetic-conditions/
  47. https://www.thegenehome.com/basics-of-genetics/disease-examples
  48. https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/cit/resources/genetic-rare-disorders/
  49. https://www.pfizerclinicaltrials.com/our-research/rare-diseases
  50. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?recrs
  51. https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB116/B116_3-en.pdf
  52. https://stemcellsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sctm.21-0239
  53. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  54. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  55. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  56. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/
  57. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  58. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  59. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  60. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  61. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  62. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  63. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  64. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  65. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  66. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/
  67. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  68. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  69. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/.
  70. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  71. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  72. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  73. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References

 

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