Leucocytosis

Leucocytosis
White blood cells, which are elevated in leucocytosis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, but may include fever, fatigue, or signs of infection
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, inflammation, stress, leukemia, tissue damage
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Complete blood count (CBC)
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Leucocytosis is a condition characterized by an elevated number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is often a response to infection, inflammation, or other stressors on the body. The normal range for white blood cells is typically between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. Leucocytosis is generally defined as a white blood cell count greater than 11,000 cells per microliter.

Causes

Leucocytosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can stimulate the production of white blood cells.
• Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can lead to increased white blood cell counts.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause a temporary increase in white blood cells.
• Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia, a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, can cause very high white blood cell counts.
• Tissue damage: Trauma, surgery, or burns can lead to leucocytosis as the body responds to injury.
• Medications: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can increase white blood cell production.

Symptoms

Leucocytosis itself often does not cause symptoms and is usually discovered during a routine blood test. However, symptoms may be present depending on the underlying cause. These can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of leucocytosis is made through a complete blood count (CBC), which measures the number of white blood cells in the blood. Further tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause, such as:

• Blood cultures to identify infections
• Imaging studies to look for sources of inflammation or infection
• Bone marrow biopsy if leukemia is suspected

Treatment

Treatment of leucocytosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For example:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammatory conditions
• Chemotherapy or other treatments for leukemia

In some cases, no treatment is necessary if the leucocytosis is mild and not associated with any symptoms or serious conditions.

Prognosis

The prognosis for leucocytosis depends on the underlying cause. In cases where it is due to a transient infection or stress, the condition often resolves on its own. However, if it is due to a chronic condition or malignancy, the prognosis will depend on the specific disease and its treatment.

Also see

• Leukopenia
• Complete blood count
• Hematology
• White blood cell
• Leukemia