Leucocytosis is an increase in the absolute count of circulating white blood cells. The normal range is 4–11 × 10 9 /L. It may involve any of the types of white cells, but a polymorphonuclear leucocytosis, i.e. neutrophilia, is the most common.

Causes

Neutrophilia

Physiological

  • ●

    Neonates

  • ●

    Exercise

  • ●

    Pregnancy

  • ●

    Childbirth

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    Lactation

  • ●

    Stress

Bacterial infection,

e.g. acute appendicitis, pyelonephritis

Acute non-infective inflammation

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    Surgery

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    Burns

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    Infarction, e.g. myocardial infarction, mesenteric infarction

  • ●

    Crush injuries

  • ●

    Rheumatoid arthritis

Acute haemorrhage and haemolysis

METABOLIC

  • ●

    Uraemia

  • ●

    Diabetic ketoacidosis

  • ●

    Gout

Chronic myeloproliferative disease

  • ●

    CML (chronic myeloid leukaemia)

  • ●

    Polycythaemia rubrum vera

  • ●

    Myelofibrosis

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