LEUKEMOID REACTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Leukemoid reactions are a non-malignant condition characterized by an increase in white blood cell count in response to various stressors or diseases. It manifests as a clinical syndrome that resembles leukemia, with an elevated number of leukocytes in the blood, particularly neutrophils.
This reaction is often seen in response to severe infections, inflammatory disorders, or as a secondary response to other underlying conditions such as malignancies, tissue necrosis, or drug reactions. Despite the resemblance to leukemia, leukemoid reactions can be distinguished from true leukemia based on certain characteristic features. Unlike leukemia, leukemoid reactions usually do not exhibit abnormal-looking white blood cells or immature cells called blasts, which are commonly seen in leukemia.
The primary mechanism behind leukemoid reactions involves the release of chemicals called cytokines, which are produced in response to the underlying condition or stressor. Cytokines signal the bone marrow to release more white blood cells as a part of the immune response. As a result, the overall number of leukocytes increases, leading to leukocytosis.
Treatment for leukemoid reactions typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than the reaction itself. Effective management often involves treating the associated infection or inflammatory disorder. In some cases, supportive measures such as fluids and medications to lower fever may be employed. Overall, the prognosis for leukemoid reactions is favorable, with complete resolution expected once the underlying cause is successfully managed.
Common Misspellings for LEUKEMOID REACTIONS
- keukemoid reactions
- peukemoid reactions
- oeukemoid reactions
- lwukemoid reactions
- lsukemoid reactions
- ldukemoid reactions
- lrukemoid reactions
- l4ukemoid reactions
- l3ukemoid reactions
- leykemoid reactions
- lehkemoid reactions
- lejkemoid reactions
- leikemoid reactions
- le8kemoid reactions
- le7kemoid reactions
- leujemoid reactions
- leumemoid reactions
- leulemoid reactions
- leuoemoid reactions
- leuiemoid reactions
Etymology of LEUKEMOID REACTIONS
The word "leukemoid" is derived from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "eidos" meaning "like". "Leukos" referred to the color of white blood cells, while "eidos" denotes resemblance or similarity.
The term "leukemoid reaction" was first introduced by Dr. William MacCallum, an American pathologist, in 1905. The word "leukemoid" was used to describe a condition where the peripheral blood picture resembled that of leukemia.
In this context, "reaction" is used to indicate that the condition is a response to a certain trigger, such as an infection or inflammation, rather than a primary malignancy. Hence, the term "leukemoid reaction" refers to a non-leukemia condition in which the peripheral blood looks similar to that of leukemia due to an underlying cause.
