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==Classification==
==Classification==
Leukemoid reaction can be classified according to the type of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] lineage of the bone marrow.
Leukemoid reaction can be classified according to the type of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] lineage of the bone marrow<ref name="pmid11087187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abramson N, Melton B |title=Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=62 |issue=9 |pages=2053–60 |year=2000 |pmid=11087187 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid11087187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abramson N, Melton B |title=Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=62 |issue=9 |pages=2053–60 |year=2000 |pmid=11087187 |doi= |url=}}</ref>.
# Reactions of [[myeloid]] type
# Reactions of [[myeloid]] type
## [[Neutropenia|Neutrophilic]] leukemoid reactions
## [[Neutropenia|Neutrophilic]] leukemoid reactions
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==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
* Leukemoid reaction is a reversible increase in production of [[white blood cells]] in response to a stimulus, with white blood cell count of more than 25000-30000 per mm<sup>3.</sup>
* Leukemoid reaction is a reversible increase in production of [[white blood cells]] in response to a stimulus, with white blood cell count of more than 25000-30000 per mm<sup>3.</sup><ref name="pmid11087187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abramson N, Melton B |title=Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=62 |issue=9 |pages=2053–60 |year=2000 |pmid=11087187 |doi= |url=}}</ref>.
* [[Leukocytosis]] is increase in white blood cell count of more than 10000 per mm3 and when the count exceeds 25000, with more than 2% immature white blood cells but absence of any blasts, differentiating it from [[Leukemia|leukemias]].
* [[Leukocytosis]] is increase in white blood cell count of more than 10000 per mm3 and when the count exceeds 25000, with more than 2% immature white blood cells but absence of any blasts, differentiating it from [[Leukemia|leukemias]]<ref name="pmid5558646">{{cite journal| author=Ward HN, Reinhard EH| title=Chronic idiopathic leukocytosis. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 1971 | volume= 75 | issue= 2 | pages= 193-8 | pmid=5558646 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=5558646  }} </ref>.
* Leukemoid reaction is classified according to the type of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] lineage of the bone marrow.
* Leukemoid reaction is classified according to the type of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] lineage of the bone marrow.
* It is a reactive, functional condition of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]], [[Lymphatic system|lymphatic]] and [[Immunity (medical)|immune]] systems secondary to various diseases accompanied by the development of immature white blood cells in the peripheral blood.
* It is a reactive, functional condition of [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]], [[Lymphatic system|lymphatic]] and [[Immunity (medical)|immune]] systems secondary to various diseases accompanied by the development of immature white blood cells in the peripheral blood.
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* The sensitization causes upregulation of growth or survival factors (eg, [[granulocyte colony-stimulating factor]], [[granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor]], c-kit ligand), [[adhesion]] molecules (eg, [[Integrin alpha M|CD11b]]/CD18), and various [[Cytokine|cytokines]] (eg, [[Interleukin 1|interleukin-1]], [[Interleukin 3|interleukin-3]], [[Interleukin 6|interleukin-6]], [[Interleukin 8|interleukin-8]], [[Tumour necrosis factor|tumor necrosis factor]]).
* The sensitization causes upregulation of growth or survival factors (eg, [[granulocyte colony-stimulating factor]], [[granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor]], c-kit ligand), [[adhesion]] molecules (eg, [[Integrin alpha M|CD11b]]/CD18), and various [[Cytokine|cytokines]] (eg, [[Interleukin 1|interleukin-1]], [[Interleukin 3|interleukin-3]], [[Interleukin 6|interleukin-6]], [[Interleukin 8|interleukin-8]], [[Tumour necrosis factor|tumor necrosis factor]]).
* There is activation of normal [[hematopoiesis]] and excessive blood cells output to peripheral blood (reactive [[hyperplasia]] of leukopoietic tissue) and output of immature blood cells into peripheral blood.
* There is activation of normal [[hematopoiesis]] and excessive blood cells output to peripheral blood (reactive [[hyperplasia]] of leukopoietic tissue) and output of immature blood cells into peripheral blood.
* The image below demonstrates a graphic figure that illustrates hematopoietic growth factors in leukocytosis.<ref name="wiki">Leukocytosis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis Accessed on May 23, 2016 </ref>
[[Image:Hematopoietic growth factors.png|600px|center|thumb|Hematopoietic growth factors in leukocytosis, Courtesy of Wikipedia]]
* Reactions of [[myeloid]] type are characterized by a shift to the left, from an increased number of stab cells to singular blast cells with presence of all intermediate forms.
* Reactions of [[myeloid]] type are characterized by a shift to the left, from an increased number of stab cells to singular blast cells with presence of all intermediate forms.
* There is an increase in immature [[Granulocyte|granulocytes]] of [[myeloid]] lineage.
* There is an increase in immature [[Granulocyte|granulocytes]] of [[myeloid]] lineage.
** [[Neutrophilic leukopenia|Neutrophilic]] leukemoid reactions develop in Infections ([[sepsis]], [[scarlet fever]], [[abscess]], [[diphtheria]], [[Pneumonia|lobar pneumonia]], [[tuberculosis]], [[dysentery]], etc), exposure to ionizing [[Radiation therapy|radiation]], Injuries of the skull, intoxication ([[Chronic renal failure pathophysiology|uremia]], [[Carbon monoxide poisoning|CO poisoning]]), bone marrow [[Metastasis|metastases]] of malignant tumors.
** [[Neutrophilic leukopenia|Neutrophilic]] leukemoid reactions develop in Infections ([[sepsis]], [[scarlet fever]], [[abscess]], [[diphtheria]], [[Pneumonia|lobar pneumonia]], [[tuberculosis]], [[dysentery]], etc), exposure to ionizing [[Radiation therapy|radiation]], Injuries of the skull, intoxication ([[Chronic renal failure pathophysiology|uremia]], [[Carbon monoxide poisoning|CO poisoning]]), bone marrow [[Metastasis|metastases]] of malignant tumors<ref name="pmid12032893">{{cite journal| author=Wanahita A, Goldsmith EA, Musher DM| title=Conditions associated with leukocytosis in a tertiary care hospital, with particular attention to the role of infection caused by clostridium difficile. | journal=Clin Infect Dis | year= 2002 | volume= 34 | issue= 12 | pages= 1585-92 | pmid=12032893 | doi=10.1086/340536 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12032893  }} </ref><ref name="pmid17314214">{{cite journal| author=Lawrence YR, Raveh D, Rudensky B, Munter G| title=Extreme leukocytosis in the emergency department. | journal=QJM | year= 2007 | volume= 100 | issue= 4 | pages= 217-23 | pmid=17314214 | doi=10.1093/qjmed/hcm006 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17314214  }} </ref>.
** [[Eosinophilic]] reactions develop in [[Allergy|allergic]] processes or in diseases with [[Allergy|allergies]], as well as in [[Parasitism|parasitic]] diseases. They are characterized by the development of a great number of [[eosinophils]], about 90% of leukocytes.
** [[Eosinophilic]] reactions develop in [[Allergy|allergic]] processes or in diseases with [[Allergy|allergies]], as well as in [[Parasitism|parasitic]] diseases. They are characterized by the development of a great number of [[eosinophils]], about 90% of leukocytes.
* Lymphomonocytic leukemoid reactions develop in [[Mononucleosis|infectious mononucleosis]], there are atypical mononuclear cells, called "lymphomonocytes" which are modulated [[T cell|T-]] and [[Nk-cell lineage granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder|NK-lymphocytes]], which get to the bloodstream by initiation of [[B cell|B lymphocytes]].The number of atypical mononuclear cells can be increased in any [[Virus|viral]] infection.
* Lymphomonocytic leukemoid reactions develop in [[Mononucleosis|infectious mononucleosis]], there are atypical mononuclear cells, called "lymphomonocytes" which are modulated [[T cell|T-]] and [[Nk-cell lineage granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder|NK-lymphocytes]], which get to the bloodstream by initiation of [[B cell|B lymphocytes]].The number of atypical mononuclear cells can be increased in any [[Virus|viral]] infection<ref name="pmid5635603">{{cite journal| author=McBride JA, Dacie JV, Shapley R| title=The effect of splenectomy on the leucocyte count. | journal=Br J Haematol | year= 1968 | volume= 14 | issue= 2 | pages= 225-31 | pmid=5635603 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=5635603  }} </ref>.
* Lymphocytic leukemoid reactions develop in acute viral and bacterial infections and are characterized by [[leukocytosis]] with absolute [[lymphocytosis]].
* Lymphocytic leukemoid reactions develop in acute viral and bacterial infections and are characterized by [[leukocytosis]] with absolute [[lymphocytosis]].
* Plasmocytic leukemoid reactions occur in diseases caused by [[protozoa]] ([[toxoplasmosis]]), [[Virus|viral infections]] ([[chickenpox]], [[measles]], [[rubella]]). Increased level of plasma cells (2%) in [[splenomegaly]], [[blood]] and [[bone marrow]].
* Plasmocytic leukemoid reactions occur in diseases caused by [[protozoa]] ([[toxoplasmosis]]), [[Virus|viral infections]] ([[chickenpox]], [[measles]], [[rubella]]). Increased level of plasma cells (2%) in [[splenomegaly]], [[blood]] and [[bone marrow]].
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==Causes==
==Causes==
* Neutrophilic leukemoid reactions :
* Neutrophilic leukemoid reactions <ref name="pmid5058244">{{cite journal| author=Spencer RP, McPhedran P, Finch SC, Morgan WS| title=Persistent neutrophilic leukocytosis associated with idiopathic functional asplenia. | journal=J Nucl Med | year= 1972 | volume= 13 | issue= 3 | pages= 224-6 | pmid=5058244 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=5058244  }} </ref><ref name="pmid3804928">{{cite journal| author=Foster NK, Martyn JB, Rangno RE, Hogg JC, Pardy RL| title=Leukocytosis of exercise: role of cardiac output and catecholamines. | journal=J Appl Physiol (1985) | year= 1986 | volume= 61 | issue= 6 | pages= 2218-23 | pmid=3804928 | doi=10.1152/jappl.1986.61.6.2218 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3804928  }} </ref><ref name="pmid6444534">{{cite journal| author=Brodeur GM, Dahl GV, Williams DL, Tipton RE, Kalwinsky DK| title=Transient leukemoid reaction and trisomy 21 mosaicism in a phenotypically normal newborn. | journal=Blood | year= 1980 | volume= 55 | issue= 4 | pages= 691-3 | pmid=6444534 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6444534  }} </ref><ref name="pmid28699170">{{cite journal| author=Harvey Y, Bleakley S, Blombery P, Bain BJ| title=Marked leukemoid reaction in a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma. | journal=Am J Hematol | year= 2018 | volume= 93 | issue= 2 | pages= 306-307 | pmid=28699170 | doi=10.1002/ajh.24849 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28699170  }} </ref>:
** Infections - [[sepsis]], [[scarlet fever]], [[abscess]], [[diphtheria]], [[Pneumonia|lobar pneumonia]], [[tuberculosis]], [[dysentery]]
** Infections - [[sepsis]], [[scarlet fever]], [[abscess]], [[diphtheria]], [[Pneumonia|lobar pneumonia]], [[tuberculosis]], [[dysentery]]
** Exposure to ionizing [[Radiation therapy|radiation]].
** Exposure to ionizing [[Radiation therapy|radiation]].
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==Differentiating Leukemoid reaction from Other Diseases==
==Differentiating Leukemoid reaction from Other Diseases==


Leukemoid reaction is differentiated from leukemia by following ways:
Leukemoid reaction is differentiated from leukemia by following ways<ref name="pmid16962944">{{cite journal| author=Sakka V, Tsiodras S, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Giamarellou H| title=An update on the etiology and diagnostic evaluation of a leukemoid reaction. | journal=Eur J Intern Med | year= 2006 | volume= 17 | issue= 6 | pages= 394-8 | pmid=16962944 | doi=10.1016/j.ejim.2006.04.004 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16962944  }} </ref><ref name="pmid28656128">{{cite journal| author=Updyke KM, Morales-Lappot J, Lee T| title=Atypical Presentation of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. | journal=Cureus | year= 2017 | volume= 9 | issue= 5 | pages= e1280 | pmid=28656128 | doi=10.7759/cureus.1280 | pmc=5484601 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28656128  }} </ref>:


{| border="1"
{| border="1"
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=== Age ===
=== Age ===
* Patients of all age groups may develop leukemoid reaction.
* Patients of all age groups may develop leukemoid reaction<ref name="pmid11087187">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abramson N, Melton B |title=Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=62 |issue=9 |pages=2053–60 |year=2000 |pmid=11087187 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid29696475">{{cite journal| author=Hoofien A, Yarden-Bilavski H, Ashkenazi S, Chodick G, Livni G| title=Leukemoid reaction in the pediatric population: etiologies, outcome, and implications. | journal=Eur J Pediatr | year= 2018 | volume= 177 | issue= 7 | pages= 1029-1036 | pmid=29696475 | doi=10.1007/s00431-018-3155-5 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29696475  }} </ref>.
* Normal white blood count differential changes with age.
* Normal white blood count differential changes with age.
* Leukemoid reaction in neonates is more common, compared to children and adults.
* Leukemoid reaction in neonates is more common, compared to children and adults.
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=== History ===
=== History ===
*The majority of patients with leukemoid reaction are initially symptomatic.<ref name="wiki" />
*The majority of patients with leukemoid reaction have the following complaints<ref name="pmid29366572">{{cite journal| author=Ellison TA, Mandal K| title=Leukemoid reaction: Case report. | journal=J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg | year= 2018 | volume= 155 | issue= 4 | pages= e117-e118 | pmid=29366572 | doi=10.1016/j.jtcvs.2017.08.125 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29366572  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27720771">{{cite journal| author=Wang Z, Cai Q, Li G, Jiang N, Niu Y| title=Giant Pheochromocytoma With Leukemoid Reaction: A Case Report. | journal=Urology | year= 2017 | volume= 99 | issue=  | pages= e17-e19 | pmid=27720771 | doi=10.1016/j.urology.2016.08.021 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27720771  }} </ref>
*Early clinical features, include:<ref name="wiki">Leukocytosis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis Accessed on May 23, 2016</ref>
*Early clinical features, include:
**[[Fever]]
**[[Fever]]
**[[Hyperhidrosis]]
**[[Hyperhidrosis]]
**[[Fatigue]]
**[[Fatigue]]
===Complications===
===Complications===
*Common complications of leukemoid reaction, include:<ref name="wiki" />
*Common complications of leukemoid reaction, include:
**[[Tumor lysis syndrome]]
**[[Tumor lysis syndrome]]
**[[Disseminated intravascular coagulation|Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy]]
**[[Disseminated intravascular coagulation|Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy]]
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===Symptoms===
===Symptoms===
*Leukemoid reaction is usually symptomatic.
*Leukemoid reaction is usually symptomatic.
*Symptoms of leukemoid reaction are often unspecific, such as:<ref name="wiki2">Leukocytosis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis Accessed on May 23, 2016</ref>
*Symptoms of leukemoid reaction are often unspecific, such as<ref name="pmid27057215">{{cite journal| author=Agrawal D, Kurwale N, Sharma BS| title=Leukocytosis after routine cranial surgery: A potential marker for brain damage in intracranial surgery. | journal=Asian J Neurosurg | year= 2016 | volume= 11 | issue= 2 | pages= 109-13 | pmid=27057215 | doi=10.4103/1793-5482.145066 | pmc=4802930 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27057215  }} </ref>:
**[[Weight loss]]
**[[Weight loss]]
**[[Fevers of unknown origin]]
**[[Fevers of unknown origin]]
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=== Laboratory findings ===
=== Laboratory findings ===
*Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of leukemoid reaction, include:<ref name="wiki3">Leukocytosis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis Accessed on May 23, 2016</ref>
*Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of leukemoid reaction, include<ref name="pmid29366572">{{cite journal| author=Ellison TA, Mandal K| title=Leukemoid reaction: Case report. | journal=J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg | year= 2018 | volume= 155 | issue= 4 | pages= e117-e118 | pmid=29366572 | doi=10.1016/j.jtcvs.2017.08.125 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29366572  }} </ref>:
**White blood cell count above the normal range, greater than 25000 per mm<sup>3</sup>.
**White blood cell count above the normal range, greater than 25000 per mm<sup>3</sup>.
**Bone marrow aspiration reveals hyperplasia of normal [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] cells in proliferative reactions. The presence of blast and immature forms of [[leukocyte]], [[platelet]] and erythrocyte hematopoiesis in the proliferative reactions.
**Bone marrow aspiration reveals hyperplasia of normal [[Hematopoiesis|hematopoietic]] cells in proliferative reactions. The presence of blast and immature forms of [[leukocyte]], [[platelet]] and erythrocyte hematopoiesis in the proliferative reactions.
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==Treatment==
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===
* The treatment of leukemoid reaction depends on the underlying cause.
* The treatment of leukemoid reaction depends on the underlying cause<ref name="pmid29366572">{{cite journal| author=Ellison TA, Mandal K| title=Leukemoid reaction: Case report. | journal=J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg | year= 2018 | volume= 155 | issue= 4 | pages= e117-e118 | pmid=29366572 | doi=10.1016/j.jtcvs.2017.08.125 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29366572  }} </ref>.
* Measures to reduce white blood cell count include:
* Measures to reduce white blood cell count include:
** [[Leukapheresis]] or exchange blood transfusion.
** [[Leukapheresis]] or exchange blood transfusion.

Revision as of 19:55, 9 October 2018

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Overview

Leukemoid reaction is a reversible increase in production of white blood cells in response to a stimulus, with white blood cell count of more than 25000-30000 per mm3 Leukocytosis is increase in white blood cell count of more than 10000 per mm3 and when the count exceeds 25000, with more than 2% immature white blood cells but absence of any blast cells, differentiating it from leukemias. Leukemoid reaction is classified according to the type of hematopoietic lineage of the bone marrow. Leukemoid reactions are mostly triggered by bacterial or viral infections. Leukemoid reaction is differentiated from leukemias by the absence of blast cells on peripheral blood film and high LAP score. Leukemoid reaction can lead to serious complications such as tumor lysis syndrome and DIC. The treatment includes treating the underlying cause and leukapheresis.

Historical Perspective

  • Leukemoid reaction was discovered in 1926 by Krumbharr.

Classification

Leukemoid reaction can be classified according to the type of hematopoietic lineage of the bone marrow[1][1].

  1. Reactions of myeloid type
    1. Neutrophilic leukemoid reactions
    2. Eosinophilic leukemoid reactions
  2. Reactions of lymphoid type
    1. Lymphomonocytic leukemoid reactions
    2. Lymphocytic leukemoid reactions
    3. Plasmocytic leukemoid reactions
  3. Leukemoid reaction with blast cells
  4. Secondary (reactive) thrombocytosis
  5. Secondary erythrocytosis
  6. Mixed forms of leukemoid reactions
  7. Rare forms of leukemoid reaction
  8. Leukemoid reactions of basophilic type.

Pathophysiology

  • Leukemoid reaction is a reversible increase in production of white blood cells in response to a stimulus, with white blood cell count of more than 25000-30000 per mm3.[1].
  • Leukocytosis is increase in white blood cell count of more than 10000 per mm3 and when the count exceeds 25000, with more than 2% immature white blood cells but absence of any blasts, differentiating it from leukemias[2].
  • Leukemoid reaction is classified according to the type of hematopoietic lineage of the bone marrow.
  • It is a reactive, functional condition of hematopoietic, lymphatic and immune systems secondary to various diseases accompanied by the development of immature white blood cells in the peripheral blood.
  • Leukemoid reaction is diagnosed after the exclusion of a malignant hematological disorder.
  • Changes in blood are transient and blood levels return to normal when the causes disappear.
  • There are no signs of inhibition of normal hematopoiesis.
  • Leukemoid reactions are mostly triggered by bacterial or viral infections, emergency stress irritants and also by various bacterial and nonbacterial stimulants causing sensitization.
  • The sensitization causes upregulation of growth or survival factors (eg, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, c-kit ligand), adhesion molecules (eg, CD11b/CD18), and various cytokines (eg, interleukin-1, interleukin-3, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor).
  • There is activation of normal hematopoiesis and excessive blood cells output to peripheral blood (reactive hyperplasia of leukopoietic tissue) and output of immature blood cells into peripheral blood.
  • The image below demonstrates a graphic figure that illustrates hematopoietic growth factors in leukocytosis.[3]
Hematopoietic growth factors in leukocytosis, Courtesy of Wikipedia


Causes

Differentiating Leukemoid reaction from Other Diseases

Leukemoid reaction is differentiated from leukemia by following ways[11][12]:

Leukemia vs leukemoid reaction
Differentiating features Leukemia Leukemoid reaction
Causes Carcinogens Infectious agents, biologically active substances and

products of tissue destruction

Pathogenesis The transformation of normal haematopoietic

cells to a tumor

Activation of normal hematopoiesis and exit of immature leukocytes

into the bloodstream.

Duration Chronic Temporary and reversible
Genetic level Defect No defect
Splenomegaly Present Not present
Peripheral blood Immature cells, pancytopenia Mature and immature granulocytes with left shift
Bone marrow Increase in blasts and immature cells Myeloid hyperplasia and normal morphology
LAP score Low High
Toxic granules
(suggestive of infection)
Absent Present
Dohle inclusion bodies Absent Present

Epidemiology and Demographics

Age

  • Patients of all age groups may develop leukemoid reaction[1][13].
  • Normal white blood count differential changes with age.
  • Leukemoid reaction in neonates is more common, compared to children and adults.

Gender

  • Leukemoid reaction affects men and women equally.

Race

  • There is no racial predilection for the development of leukemoid reaction.

Risk Factors

  • Common risk factors in the development of leukocytosis, include:[1]

Screening

No screening is done for leukemoid reaction.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

History

Complications

Prognosis

  • Prognosis generally depends on the underlying etiologies.
  • If the white blood cell count reaches more than 50000 per mm3, life threatening complications can ocuur.

Diagnosis

Symptoms

  • Obtain history of the following:
    • Clinical features
    • Duration (e.g. days, weeks, months)
    • Remainder of complete blood count

Laboratory findings

Electrocardiogram

No specific ECG changes in leukemoid reaction.

X-Ray

No specific x ray changes in leukemoid reaction.

Echocardiograph and Ultrasound

No echocardiography and ultrasound findings.

CT

No CT scan findings in leukemoid reaction.

MRI

No specific MRI findings in leukemoid reaction.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

The treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Primary prevention

Prevention and treatment of infections.

Secondary prevention

Treatment of underlying cause and reduction of white blood cell count.

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Abramson N, Melton B (2000). "Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment". Am Fam Physician. 62 (9): 2053–60. PMID 11087187.
  2. Ward HN, Reinhard EH (1971). "Chronic idiopathic leukocytosis". Ann Intern Med. 75 (2): 193–8. PMID 5558646.
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