Leukemoid Reaction

Question 1. Write a short note on leukemoid reaction.

Answer:

Leukemoid reactions are characterized by an increase in total leucocyte count beyond 25000/µl.

The clinical features of leukemia such as splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and hemorrhages are usually absent
The leukemoid reaction may be myeloid or lymphoid.

Leukemoid reaction

Myeloid Leukemoid Reaction

Her total WBC count is morbidly increased with a predominance of cells of myeloid series including occasional immature cells.

Etiology

Infection: Staphylococcal pneumonia, Disseminated tuberculosis, Meningitis, diphtheria, endocarditis, etc.
Intoxication: Mercury poisoning and burns
Malignant diseases such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, and bone metastasis.
Severe hemorrhage and severe hemolysis.

Laboratory Findings

Leucocytosis is present, i.e. beyond 25,000/ml.
Immature cells are mild to moderate and comprised of metamyelocytes, myelocytes, and blasts, blood picture simulates chronic myeloid leukemia.
Infective cases show Dohle bodies in the cytoplasm of neutrophils.
Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase levels are high.

Leukemoid reaction causes

Lymphoid Leukemoid Reaction

Etiology

Infections: Infectious mononucleosis, whooping cough, chickenpox, measles, and tuberculosis.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Leucocytosis is present, i.e. beyond 25,000/ml
Differential leucocyte count reveals mature lymphocytes simulating the blood picture found in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Question 2. Write a short note on acute leukemia.
Answer:

Acute leukemias are of two types, i.e. acute myelogenous leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Both the leukemias are explained on a comparison basis:

Leukemia Acute Leukemia

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