Leukocytosis

Basics

Description

Leukocytosis refers to a total white blood cell (WBC) count above the normal range for age.

Risk Factors

Very low-birth-weight neonates
Immunodeficiencies or immunocompromised states
Inflammatory disorders
Autoimmune disorders

ALERT
Children with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) have an increased risk of developing transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) or leukemoid reactions.

Pathophysiology

Leukocytosis results from increased marrow production, demargination, prolonged cell survival, and/or defective extravascularization in response to external stimuli or, less commonly, from an underlying marrow disorder.

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