Prevalence of Ethnic Neutropenia and Duffy Null Phenotype in Neonates
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Cord blood.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Count). Basic parameters: 1 Minute — 1 Day · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Israel
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Prevalence of Ethnic Neutropenia in Neonates
Overview
This is a prospective observational study designed to assess the prevalence of the Duffy null phenotype (associated with ethnic neutropenia) in neonates born at Kaplan Medical Center. Blood samples will be collected from umbilical cords (non-invasively) to evaluate Duffy antigen expression. Data on ethnicity, perinatal factors, and routine blood counts at 9-12 months (when available) will also be collected to correlate phenotype with absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
Detailed description
This is a prospective, observational cohort study designed to evaluate the prevalence of the Duffy null phenotype (Fya-/Fyb-) and its association with ethnic neutropenia in neonates born at Kaplan Medical Center in Israel. The Duffy null phenotype has been linked to lower peripheral neutrophil counts without increased infection risk in certain ethnic groups, a condition commonly referred to as benign ethnic neutropenia.
Cord blood samples will be collected from approximately 1,000 neonates during routine G6PD testing. An additional 3 mL will be obtained non-invasively from the umbilical cord after labour to determine the expression of Duffy antigens using serologic gel testing. Parental consent will be obtained, and information regarding ethnicity and family history of neutropenia will be collected.
Participants identified with the Duffy null phenotype will be followed through electronic health records to assess their neutrophil counts during routine blood screening at 9-12 months of age. The study will analyze associations between Duffy phenotype, neutropenia prevalence, and parental ethnic origin.
Findings may support improved diagnostic clarity around neonatal neutropenia and help reduce unnecessary interventions in otherwise healthy infants with genetically determined low neutrophil counts.
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Cord blood
Cord blood samples will be collected during routine G6PD testing. An additional 3 mL will be obtained non-invasively from the umbilical cord to determine the expression of Duffy antigens using serologic gel testing.
Primary outcome measures
- Prevalence of Duffy null phenotype in neonates [Time frame: At birth (umbilical cord sample)]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Prevalence of neutropenia in infants with Duffy null phenotype [Time frame: 9-12 months]
- Association between parental ethnicity and Duffy null phenotype [Time frame: At birth]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Neonates born at Kaplan Medical Center between 1.9.2024 and 31.12.2025
- Parental informed consent obtained
- Umbilical cord blood available for routine testing
Exclusion criteria
- None
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Israel · 1 center
- Kaplan Medical Center — Rehovot
Publications
- Gay K, Dulay K, Ravindranath Y, Savasan S. Duffy-Null Phenotype-Associated Neutropenia is the Most Common Etiology for Leukopenia/Neutropenia Referrals to a Tertiary Children's Hospital. J Pediatr. 2023 Nov;262:113608. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113608. Epub 2023 Jul 6. PMID 37419240
- Rappoport N, Simon AJ, Lev A, Yacobi M, Kaplinsky C, Weingarten M, Somech R, Amariglio N, Rechavi G. Correlation between 'ACKR1/DARC null' polymorphism and benign neutropenia in Yemenite Jews. Br J Haematol. 2015 Sep;170(6):892-5. doi: 10.1111/bjh.13345. Epub 2015 Mar 26. No abstract available. PMID 25817587
- Atallah-Yunes SA, Ready A, Newburger PE. Benign ethnic neutropenia. Blood Rev. 2019 Sep;37:100586. doi: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.06.003. Epub 2019 Jun 21. PMID 31255364
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06908616 · KMC-24-0090 · KMC-24-0090