Leukemoid reaction in the pediatric population: etiologies, outcome, and implications

Abstract

Children presented with a leukemoid reaction are at high risk of pneumonia, especially pleuropneumonia, and a long hospital stay. Those with WBC ≥ 50,000/μL have a sixfold higher risk of leukemia. For prompt diagnosis, clinicians should be aware of the variables associated with leukemia. What is Known: • Leukemoid reaction has been associated with infectious diseases. • Leukemoid reaction at presentation in adults is correlated with high morbidity and mortality. What is New: • Children with leukemoid reaction are at high risk of pleuropneumonia. • We did not observe increased mortality in children with a leukemoid reaction.

Leukemoid Reaction in a Preterm Infant: Diagnostic Challenge in Resource Poor Setting: A Case Report

“…Evaluating and investigating leukemoid reaction involved elimination of the possible etiologies, by birth history to determine the gestational age and antenatal use, carrying out investigations which includes complete blood count, peripheral blood, C -reactive protein and blood culture to eliminate possibility of sepsis. Bone marrow aspirate to eliminate diagnosis of possible congenital leukemia and karyotyping for trisomy 21 [9,10].…”

Esophageal adenocarcinoma with leukemoid reaction: a case report

“…However, leukaemia commonly presents with anaemia and immature myeloid cells on a peripheral blood smear, and bone marrow biopsies typically show hypercellularity. [2, 9] The evidence is available directly by bone marrow biopsy and by an inverse correlation between tumour response and leucocytosis, as well as an increased PLR [10]. LR typically presents with elevated levels of mature polymorphonuclear cells and immature cells of granulocyte lineage on peripheral smears.…”

Definition, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Essential Criteria for Diagnosis of Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

“…Basophils are normal in LR and splenomegaly is an unusual finding. Taking carefully the clinical history and physical examination is suggestive of the origin of the LR, which is very heterogeneous comprising infections (especially S. aureus, S. pneumoniae), inflammatory syndromes (e.g., glomerulonephritis), malignancies, drugs (corticosteroids can cause a short-lasting extreme left-shifted neutrophilia), intoxications (liver failure), severe hemorrhage, and acute hemolysis [33].…”