
The differentiating point from leukemia:
- In the leukemoid reaction, the neutrophils are mature and not clonally derived.
- There is a persistent increase in TLC above 50,000/cmm and no evidence of leukemia.
- Blood count comes to normal after treating the cause.
- Increased blast cells are not seen in the leukemoid reaction.
What is the difference between leukemoid reaction and myeloid reaction?
Cells in the peripheral blood in the leukemoid reaction are usually more mature than myelocytes. Leukocytic alkaline phosphatase activity is high in a leukemoid reaction but low in chronic myeloid leukemia.
What is the difference between CML and leukemoid reactions?
However, leukemoid reactions can resemble more serious conditions such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), which can present with identical findings on the peripheral blood smear. Historically, various clues including the leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score and the presence of basophilia were used to distinguish CML from a leukemoid reaction.
What is leukocytosis/leukemoid reaction?
Leukemoid reaction denotes pronounced neutrophilia (>40,000 cells/ml) in acute inflammatory reaction that may be mistaken for leukemia, especially chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukocytosis occurs initially because of accelerated release of cells from the bone marrow...
What is the difference between leukemoid reaction and leukocytic alkaline phosphatase reaction?
Leukocytic alkaline phosphatase activity is high in a leukemoid reaction but low in chronic myeloid leukemia. In the leukemoid reaction, the neutrophils are mature and not clonally derived. There is a persistent increase in TLC above 50,000/cmm and no evidence of leukemia. Increased blast cells are not seen in the leukemoid reaction

What's the difference between leukemoid reaction and leukemia?
The differentiating point from leukemia: In the leukemoid reaction, the neutrophils are mature and not clonally derived. There is a persistent increase in TLC above 50,000/cmm and no evidence of leukemia. Blood count comes to normal after treating the cause. Increased blast cells are not seen in the leukemoid reaction.
What laboratory finding distinguishes leukemoid reaction from CML?
CML must be differentiated from leukemoid reactions (Chapter 170), which usually produce WBC counts lower than 50,000/µL, toxic granulocytic vacuolation, Döhle's bodies in the granulocytes, absence of basophilia, and normal or increased LAP levels; the clinical history and physical examination generally suggest the ...
How can you tell the difference between AML and CML?
They differ in how the condition develops and worsens, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. In AML, the disease comes on quickly and rapidly deteriorates without treatment. With CML, the condition comes on slowly and worsens over an extended period of time.
What is leukemoid reaction?
A leukemoid reaction is an increase in the white blood cell count, which can mimic leukemia. The reaction is actually due to an infection or another disease and is not a sign of cancer. Blood counts often return to normal when the underlying condition is treated.
How is leukemoid reaction diagnosed?
A leukemoid reaction (LR) is defined by a leukocyte count greater than 50,000 cells/μL. 2. By definition, it is diagnosed by the exclusion of a malignant hematological disorder, CML or CNL.
Which of the following tests may be useful in differentiating leukemoid reactions from chronic granulocytic leukemia?
Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) activity can be used to differentiate a leukemoid reaction from chronic myelogenous leukemia.
What is the basic difference between acute and chronic leukemia?
Acute leukemia develops quickly and needs prompt treatment. Chronic leukemia develops slowly and may need management over many years. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. It happens when blood cells in the bone marrow malfunction and form cancerous cells.
What is the difference between all leukemia and AML leukemia?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is cancer that affects the myeloid cells, which are cells that give rise to certain types of white blood cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is cancer that affects the lymphocytes, which are one of the primary white blood cells in the immune response.
How can you tell the difference between different types of leukemia?
We use a combination of clinical data, hematologic and bone marrow findings, and results of more specific diagnostic testing (immunophenotyping, cytochemical staining) to differentiate between an acute leukemia (myeloid or lymphoid in origin and arising in the marrow) and a lymphoma with a leukemia phase, i.e. ...
What is the cause of leukemoid reaction?
The major causes of leukemoid reactions are severe infections, intoxications, malignancies, severe hemorrhage, or acute hemolysis.
What is the reason of leukemoid reaction development?
The major causes of leukemoid reaction are severe infections, intoxications, malignancies, severe hemorrhage or acute hemolysis 3). Leukemoid reaction has been described in response to inflammation, severe infection, malignancies, hemorrhage, acute hemolysis, or bone marrow stimulants 4).
What is CML Leukaemia?
Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a disease in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (also called CML or chronic granulocytic leukemia) is a slowly progressing blood and bone marrow disease that usually occurs during or after middle age, and rarely occurs in children.
What is the main difference in acute and chronic leukemias?
Acute leukemia develops quickly and needs prompt treatment. Chronic leukemia develops slowly and may need management over many years. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. It happens when blood cells in the bone marrow malfunction and form cancerous cells.
Why is leukocyte alkaline phosphatase low in CML?
This suggests that the low level of neutrophil alkaline phosphatase in CML granulocytes is the result of decreased enzyme content and not a consequence of synthesis of catalytically defective enzyme.
What is the difference between CML and CLL?
CLL treatment generally begins with chemotherapy and radiation, while CML treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the cancer progression.
Why is lap score decreased in CML?
In CML regardless of the total white count, the score remains low. In CML, it has been demonstrated that the mRNA for leukocyte alkaline phosphatase by Northern blotting is undetectable. This suggests either rapid degradation of the message or no transcription of the LAP gene.
What is the pathogenesis of leukemoid reaction?
Pathogenesis of leukemoid reaction: Leucocytosis results from the release of the cells from the bone marrow under the influence of IL-1 and TNF. There is a shift to the left of the neutrophils. Prolonged infection induces in the bone marrow, the proliferation of the precursor cells and that is also by the IL-1 and TNF.
Where is the Leukemoid reaction usually seen?
Usually seen in the peripheral area of the cytoplasm of neutrophils. These consist of ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Leukemoid reaction Dohle bodies. Leukemoid Reaction with prominent Neutrophils. Leukemoid reaction picture.
What is a high count of myeloproliferative disorder?
A count above 100,000 /µL is more suggestive of the myeloproliferative disorder with very few exceptions.
How many cells are in a cmm?
The count varies from 50,000 to 100,000/cmm. with immature cells.
What causes neutrophilia with monocytosis?
Visceral larva migration leads to eosinophilia. Tuberculosis gives rise to monocytosis. Fungal infection also causes neutrophilia with monocytosis.
Why is a leukemoid reaction logical?
A leukemoid reaction (high WBC’s) is logical because it has a cause. Eliminate the cause (pneumonia) and it will go away.
Which morphological features favor leukemoid reaction?
History usually nails the diagnosis, but equivocal cases exist. Morphologic features that favor leukemoid reaction are predominance of more mature elements (bands, metamyelocytes and myelocytes, as oppo
How many leukaemia counts are there?
Both leukaemia and Leukamoid reaction have high counts .leukaemia counts can vary from 30000 to 1 lakh
Why are cells monoclonal and all have very similar characteristics?
Cells are monoclonal and all have very similar characteristics because usually all of them belong to one ancestor cell. Genetically defective cells.
Is polycythemia logical?
The same way a secondary polycythemia is “logical” because you live high in the mountains or have COPD, but PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA (rubra vera) is dangerous because it is “IDIOPATHIC” (no reason for it to happen).
Do I need to see a dermatologist for CLL?
My experience with both CLL and petechiae is that one needs to see a dermatologist. I see a dermatologist several times a year, because CLL carries the risk of increased skin cancers.
Which type of leukemia is most commonly associated with a leukemoid reaction?
Myelogenous leukemia, which is most frequently associated with a leukemoid reaction, usually is distinguished by a disproportionately high number of blast forms compared with bands and metamyelocytes, as well as by the presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, and basophilia.
What is the cell type of leukemoid reaction?
Any cell type can be involved in a leukemoid reaction, so named because of the simulation of findings in leukemia. A myeloid leukemoid reaction is defined as a peripheral WBC count >50,000/mm3 or a differential cell count with >5% immature myeloid cells capable of division (myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes).
What is the differential diagnosis of a leukemoid reaction?
The differential diagnosis of an elevated WBC count (also known as a leukemoid reaction) includes severe infections, congenital heart disease, and metastatic cancer. In disorders other than CML, the peripheral blood rarely contains blasts and promyelocytes, the WBC count is usually somewhat lower, and the LAP scores and cytogenetic studies are normal. In general, patients with CML have a WBC count of more than 100,000/µL, a WBC differential containing promyelocytes and myelocytes (the blood smear often appears similar to a marrow smear), a low LAP, a large spleen, and Ph or molecular detection of the BCR-ABL transcript. Because CML patients can present in blast crisis, the patient with Ph-positive ALL presents a problem in differential diagnosis. Determination of the size of the abnormal fusion protein (usually 210 kD in CML and 185 kD in Ph-positive ALL) and the fusion transcript breakpoint by RT-PCR can help, as can the response to therapy. An important distinction is that in ALL, Ph commonly disappears with intensive chemotherapy, whereas in CML presenting in blast crisis, the disease may revert to the chronic phase, with the Philadelphia chromosome persisting in the recovering bone marrow cells. 921
Why does leukocytosis occur?
Leukocytosis occurs initially because of accelerated release of cells from the bone marrow and is associated with increased count of more immature neutrophils in the blood (shift to the left). Differentiation of leukemoid reaction and neoplastic leukocytosis includes the following: ▪. Cells in the peripheral blood in the leukemoid reaction are ...
How many leukocytes are in CNS?
Traditionally, CNS leukemia has been defined as the presence of at least five leukocytes per microliter of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the detection of leukemic blast cells, by the presence of cranial nerve palsy, or by retinal involvement, as detected by ophthalmoscopy.
How to diagnose ALL?
The diagnosis of ALL is established by bone marrow examination. The normal bone marrow contains <5% blasts. A minimum of 25% lymphoblasts on differential examination of the bone marrow aspirate is necessary for the diagnosis of ALL. Most children with ALL have a hypercellular marrow with blasts constituting 60–100% of the nucleated cells.
Which is more mature, myelocytes or leukemoid cells?
Cells in the peripheral blood in the leuke moid reaction are usually more mature than myelocytes.
What is the reaction of leukemia?
A leukemoid reaction is a reactive neutrophilia that occurs in response to an infection, inflammatory process, or malignancy. Leukemia is mimicked by the extent of neutrophilia (usually < 35x109/L) and by the presence of circulating immature WBC'S. Leukemia is the cancer of blood or bone marrow.
Which is more mature, myelocytes or leukemoid cells?
Cells in the peripheral blood in the leuke moid reaction are usually more mature than myelocytes.
Why does leukocytosis occur?
Leukocytosis occurs initially because of accelerated release of cells from the bone marrow and is associated with increased count of more immature neutrophils in the blood (shift to the left). Differentiation of leukemoid reaction and neoplastic leukocytosis includes the following: ▪.
What is the cancer of the bone marrow?
Leukemia is the cancer of blood or bone marrow.
Is leukemoid clonally derived?
Al Muthanna University. In the leuke moid reaction , the neutrophils are mature and not clonally derived. There is a persistent increase in TLC above 50,000/cmm and no evidence of leukemia. Increased blast cells are not seen in the leukemoid reaction.
Is MDS a form of bone marrow cancer?
Myelodysplastic syndromes is a form of bone marrow cancer, although its progression into leukaemia does not always occur. But it is an estimation that 30 from 100 patients of MDS develops acute myeloid leukemia. That shorter the lifespan of the patient.
Which cells show shift to left?
Leukocyte cells show shift to left (Total N-increase but some times decreased). Platelet count is normal or reduced.
How long does it take for a CMML patient to deteriorate?
All patients deteriorated within 1 week of surgery. As such, for CMML patients requiring elective or emergent major surgery, we recommend hematology consultation and close daily monitoring of peripheral blood counts postoperatively for 1 week in the inpatient or outpatient setting as clinically appropriate. Early institution of hydroxyurea, allopurinol, and IV fluids should be considered on a case-by-case basis if rising leukocytosis and LDH are observed and there is high clinical suspicion for leukostasis. In view of the rapid deterioration observed in our 3 cases, a low threshold should be applied with respect to inpatient admission for observation of clinical signs associated with leukostasis and/or cytokine release (hypoxia, focal neurologic symptoms, arrhythmia, renal failure). Interestingly, all 3 patients initially presented with the myeloproliferative variant of CMML, and the 2 patients who were sequenced harbored RAS-pathway mutations, a feature associated with the proliferative subtype. 14 Patients with the myeloproliferative variant of CMML and those with RAS-pathway mutations may be at higher risk for leukostasis following surgery and even minor procedures (ie, cardiac catherization), and these factors should inform the postoperative monitoring plan.
What organs are affected by multiorgan leukostasis?
Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections (original magnification ×20) taken from autopsy showed severe diffuse leukostasis in the brain (A), heart (B), lungs (C), and spinal cord (D). Additionally, the spleen, liver, colon, and uterus displayed similar findings with evidence of ischemia and end-organ damage (not shown).
What is CMML patient?
CMML patients comprise an elderly and frail patient population with comorbidities that often require surgical intervention.
What is CMML in medical terms?
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative overlap syndrome character ized by myeloid cell proliferation, dyspoiesis, and ineffective hematopoiesis. 1 Patients present with clinical features typical of ineffective hematopoiesis, such as anemia and thrombocytopenia, but simultaneously exhibit signs of myeloid hyperplasia, such as splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and constitutional symptoms. CMML disproportionally affects elderly individuals, with an average age at diagnosis of ∼72 years. 2 Patients often have multiple comorbidities that compromise the ability to administer intensive therapies and compete with CMML as contributors to all-cause mortality. Elective or emergent surgical intervention for nonhematologic medical problems is inevitable among the aging CMML population. Here, we describe a series of CMML patients undergoing surgical intervention for unrelated medical causes who developed life-threatening postoperative leukostasis, and highlight the considerable perioperative risks unique to these patients. We discuss how CMML disease biology may contribute to these risks and offer practical advice on perioperative management strategies.
What is CMML-1?
An 86-year-old woman with CMML-1, hypertension, and kidney disease underwent cardiology evaluation for heart failure and was recommended for cardiac catheterization. Prior to catheterization, the patient had been on low-dose decitabine therapy (20 mg/m 2, days 1-3, every 4 weeks) with persistent bicytopenia but achievement of transfusion independence. She underwent uneventful cardiac catheterization with no critical coronary stenosis identified. Five days later, the patient reported shortness of breath and dizziness. She was found to be in volume overload with pulmonary opacities on chest radiograph and WBC count of 104 × 10 9 /L without increase in peripheral blasts. Echocardiogram showed preserved ejection fraction (65%). She was admitted to intensive care and was treated for pneumonia and volume overload but was unable to be weaned from high oxygen requirement. Leukostasis was suspected and hydroxyurea and decitabine (20 mg/m 2 days 1-5) were initiated. Her WBC count decreased to <30 × 10 9 /L; she was weaned off supplemental oxygen and discharged home in stable condition.
Is hyperleukocytosis fatal?
In our experience, hyperleukocytosis in response to infections is common among CMML patients, but is not typically fatal. Why surgical interventions precipitate a more fulminant reaction reminiscent of CRS is unknown. It is possible that anti-inflammatory agents directed against cytokines known to be elevated in both CMML and CRS, such as siltuximab (monoclonal antibody against IL-6), may be effective in refractory cases. A systematic study of surgical morbidity and mortality in CMML is warranted.
What causes a leukemoid reaction?
Causes of leukemoid reactions include: Severe hemorrhage (retroperitoneal hemorrhage) Drugs. Use of sulfa drugs. Use of dapsone. Use of glucocorticoids.
What is a leukocytosis of 50,000 WBC/mm3?
Conventionally, a leukocytosis exceeding 50,000 WBC/mm 3 with a significant increase in early neutrophil precursors is referred to as a leukemoid reaction. The peripheral blood smear may show myelocytes, metamyelocytes, promyelocytes, and rarely myeloblasts; however, there is a mixture of early mature neutrophil precursors, in contrast to the immature forms typically seen in acute leukemia. Serum leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is normal or elevated in leukemoid reaction, but is depressed in chronic myelogenous leukemia. The bone marrow in a leukemoid reaction, if examined, may be hypercellular but is otherwise typically unremarkable.
What is the medical term for an increased white blood cell count?
Medical condition. Leukemoid reaction. Specialty. Hematology. The term leukemoid reaction describes an increased white blood cell count (> 50,000 cells/μL), which is a physiological response to stress or infection (as opposed to a primary blood malignancy, such as leukemia ). It often describes the presence of immature cells such as myeloblasts ...
Is leukemoid reaction benign?
The bone marrow in a leukemoid reaction, if examined, may be hypercellular but is otherwise typically unremarkable. Leukemoid reactions are generally benign and are not dangerous in and of themselves, although they are often a response to a significant disease state (see Causes above).

Definition
- If there is a persistent increase in the neutrophils, reactive and excessive leucocytosis with a count of 30,000 to 50,000 / µL, with the presence of immature and mature white cells in the peripher...
- This is not primary marrow disorder, and this is due to the secondary to infections.
- The count varies from 50,000 to 100,000/cmm. with immature cells.
- If there is a persistent increase in the neutrophils, reactive and excessive leucocytosis with a count of 30,000 to 50,000 / µL, with the presence of immature and mature white cells in the peripher...
- This is not primary marrow disorder, and this is due to the secondary to infections.
- The count varies from 50,000 to 100,000/cmm. with immature cells.
- Blast cells in the peripheral blood smears are not seen which is helpful to differentiate from leukemia.
Significance
- This term is used to differentiate between the leucocytosis and leukemia.
- In leukocytosis or neutrophilia there is an increase in the count from 10,000 to 25,000 / µL (microliter).
The Differentiating Point from Leukemia
- In the leukemoid reaction, the neutrophils are mature and not clonally derived.
- There is a persistent increase in TLC above 50,000/cmm and no evidence of leukemia.
- Blood count comes to normal after treating the cause.
- Increased blast cells are not seen in the leukemoid reaction.
Causes of Leukemoid Reaction
- A severeinfection like Clostridium, Tuberculosis, Pertussis, and Infectious mononucleosis.
- Visceral larva migration leads to eosinophilia.
- Tuberculosis gives rise to monocytosis.
- Fungal infection also causes neutrophilia with monocytosis.