Neutrophilic Leukocytosis
Neutrophilic leukocytosis is an abnormally high number of neutrophils in the blood.
Neutrophils help the body to fight infections and to heal injuries. Neutrophils may increase in response to a number of conditions or diseases. In many instances, the increased number of neutrophils is a necessary reaction by the body, as it tries to heal or to ward off an invading microorganism or foreign substance. Infections by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites may all increase the number of neutrophils in the blood. The number may rise in a person who has an injury, such as a hip fracture or burn. Inflammatory disorders, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause an increase in the number and activity of neutrophils. Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, also lead to an increased number of neutrophils in the blood. Myelocytic leukemias can lead to an increased number of immature or mature neutrophils in the blood.
When a doctor discovers an increased number of neutrophils, a blood sample is viewed under a microscope to determine if immature neutrophils (myeloblasts) are leaving the bone marrow and entering the bloodstream. Immature neutrophils in the bloodstream may indicate the presence of a disease in the bone marrow, such as leukemia. When immature neutrophils are found in the bloodstream, a doctor usually takes a sample of bone marrow (bone marrow biopsy (see Section 14, Chapter 170)).
An increased number of mature neutrophils in the blood is not usually a problem in itself. Therefore, doctors focus on treating the condition or disease that caused the number of neutrophils to increase.
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