Enhancement of neutrophil function for treatment of neonatal infections.

Newborn infants are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from infection despite the continued development of new antibiotics. Because impairment of such host defense mechanisms as PMN function is thought to be largely responsible for this problem, correction of these defects in neonates offers a new and potentially important therapy against infection. Further studies are necessary to determine whether transfusion of either adult PMNs, antibody or fresh frozen plasma; administration of immunomodulating drugs; or some combination of these will provide maximum therapeutic benefit for the newborn infant with infection.