leukocytosis

Introduction

An increase in white blood cells (leukocytes) in peripheral blood. Generally, an increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia), but may be an increase in lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) especially in lymphoproliferative disorders.

Classification

• lymphocytosis
• monocytosis
• granulocytosis
  • neutrophilia
  • eosinophilia
  • basophilia

Etiology

• increased production
  • idiopathic
  • drug-induced -> corticosteroids
  • infection
    • bacterial infection
    • fungal infection
    • viral infection (rare)
  • inflammation
    • cigarette smoking
    • thermal injury
    • tissue necrosis
    • myocardial infarction
    • pulmonary infarction
    • hypersensitivity states
    • connective tissue disorders
      • rheumatoid arthritis, Still's disease ...
    • appendicitis
  • myeloproliferative disorders
    • myelocytic leukemia
    • myeloid metaplasia
    • polycythemia vera
    • leukemoid reaction
• increased mobilization from the bone marrow
  • corticosteroids
  • acute infection (endotoxin)
  • inflammation (thermal injury)
• defective margination
  • pharmaceutical agents
    • epinephrine
    • corticosteroids
    • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • stress
  • excitement
  • vigorous exercise
  • leukocyte adhesion protein (C3bi {CR3} receptor) deficiency
• miscellaneous
  • metabolic disorders
    • ketosis
    • acute renal failure
    • eclampsia
    • acute poisoning
  • drugs -> lithium
  • metastatic carcinoma
  • acute hemorrhage
  • hemolysis
• also see lymphocytosis

More general terms

• leukocyte disorder

More specific terms

• basophilia
• CSF leukocytosis
• eosinophilia
• granulocytosis
• leukemoid reaction
• lymphocytosis
• neutrophilia