The granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used in two extremely low birth weight infants with severe neutropenia where sepsis was not confirmed. During 12 hours after the initial dose of 5 mg/kg/day of G-CSF (Granocyte 13, Rhone Poulenc) in combination with dexamethasone, a significant rise of the absolute neutrophil count occurred and remained in the normal range. No side-effects were observed during the course of therapy. We suppose that G-CSF may be used in indicated cases of severe neutropenia in extremely premature newborns.

        Key words: extremely premature newborn, neutropenia, granulocyte-colony stimulati ng factor