[Progressive-septic granulomatosis: improved prognosis with early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Report of 5 cases].

The clinical and laboratory findings in chronic granulomatous disease are illustrated by five case reports. Biochemical studies of the neutrophil bactericidal defect have revealed several molecular forms of the disease. Specific therapeutic action is nowadays possible, after early diagnosis of the condition by nitroblue-tetrazolium test and chemiluminescence. Infections are treated using antibiotics and antimycotics which penetrate well into granulocytes; additional surgical intervention or granulocyte transfusion may be necessary. Prolonged infection-free periods are achieved under prophylactic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim therapy, promising an improved prognostic outlook for patients with chronic granulomatous disease.