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Leukemoid reaction
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Leukemoid reaction

Contributors: Michael W. Winter MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

A leukemoid reaction is a leukocytosis exceeding 50 000/µL due to a cause other than leukemia. This is typically characterized by elevated neutrophils, indicative of an acute inflammatory process, and the absence of dysplastic cells suggestive of a hematologic malignancy. Coinciding with a marked increase in leukocytes is the presence of neutrophil precursor cell types: myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and promyelocytes.

Leukemoid reactions occur in a variety of different conditions, all indicative of acute stress. These include infectious etiologies, adverse reactions to medications, asplenia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and septic shock with end-organ damage. Infants with trisomy 21 can often be born with a leukemoid reaction.

Leukemoid reactions will resolve with treatment of the underlying condition.

Codes

ICD10CM:
D72.823 – Leukemoid reaction

SNOMEDCT:
56478004 – Leukemoid reaction

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

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Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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Drug Reaction Data

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References

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Last Reviewed:02/03/2019
Last Updated:02/27/2019
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Leukemoid reaction
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Leukemoid reaction : Leukocytosis, Neutrophilia
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