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Leukocytosis, Pediatric

Katie Carlberg, MD and Caroline Hastings, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


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

  • In...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Evaluate for history or signs of infection.

    • Acute infection is the most common cause of leukocytosis.

    • Fever is nonspecific and may be present in infectious, inflammatory, rheumatoid, or...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Isolated leukocytosis may be monitored without intervention.

  • If ill-appearing, age-appropriate empiric antibiotics are indicated

  • Consultation with other subspecialties may be n...

ONGOING CARE

In the setting of bacterial infection with appropriate microbial coverage, anticipate resolution of leukocytosis within 4 days. 
ALERT

If malignancy is in the differential, consult hematolo...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Abramson N, Melton B. Leukocytosis: basics of clinical assessment. Am Fam Physician.  2000;62(9):2053–2060. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Cerny J, Rosmarin AG. Why does my pat...

CODES

ICD9

  • 288.60 Leukocytosis, unspecified

  • 288.2 Genetic anomalies of leukocytes

  • 288.69 Other elevated white blood cell count

ICD10

  • D72.829 Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified

  • D72.0 Genetic anomal...

FAQ

  • Q: Does the degree of leukocytosis correlate to the severity of infection?

  • A: Just as the height of fever does not always correlate to the severity of infection, the same is true for the degree of ...

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