Types and causes of leukocytosis, shifts in the leukocyte formula, their prognostic value. There are several types of physiological leukocytosis Leukocytosis physiology

Leukocytes

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are colorless cells of various sizes (from 6 to 20 microns), round or irregular in shape. These cells have a nucleus and are able to independently move: move like a single-celled organism - an amoeba. The number of these cells in the blood is much less than erythrocytes and in a healthy person is 4.0-8.8 x 10 9 /l. Leukocytes are the main protective factor in the fight of the human body against various diseases. These cells are "armed" with special enzymes that are able to "digest" microorganisms, bind and break down foreign protein substances and decay products that are formed in the body during life. In addition, some forms of leukocytes produce antibodies - protein particles that infect any foreign microorganisms that enter the bloodstream, mucous membranes and other organs and tissues of the human body.

There are two main types of white blood cells. In cells of one type, the cytoplasm has a granularity, and they are called granular leukocytes - granulocytes. There are 3 forms of granulocytes: neutrophils, which, depending on the appearance of the nucleus, are divided into stab and segmented, and takeke basophils and eosinophils.

In the cells of other leukocytes, the cytoplasm does not contain granules, and two forms are distinguished among them - lymphocytes and monocytes. These types of leukocytes have specific functions and change differently in various diseases (see below), so their quantitative analysis is a serious help to the doctor in finding out the causes of the development of various forms of pathology.

An increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood is called leukocytosis, and a decrease is called leukopenia.

Leukocytosis is physiological, i.e. occurs in healthy people in some quite ordinary situations, and pathological, when it indicates a disease.

Physiological leukocytosis observed in the following cases:

• 2-3 hours after eating - digestive leukocytosis;
• after intense physical work;
• after hot or cold baths;
• after psycho-emotional stress;
• in the second half of pregnancy and before menstruation.

For this reason, the number of leukocytes is examined in the morning on an empty stomach in a calm state of the subject, without previous physical exertion, stressful situations, water procedures.

For the most common reasons pathological leukocytosis include the following:

• various infectious diseases: pneumonia, otitis media, erysipelas, meningitis, pneumonia, etc.;
• suppuration and inflammatory processes of various localization: pleura (pleurisy, empyema), abdominal cavity (pancreatitis, appendicitis, peritonitis), subcutaneous tissue (panaritium, abscess, phlegmon), etc .;
• fairly large burns;
• heart attacks of the heart, lungs, spleen, kidneys;
• conditions after severe blood loss;
• leukemia;
• chronic renal failure;
• diabetic coma.

It must be remembered that in patients with weakened immunity (elderly people, malnourished people, alcoholics and drug addicts), leukocytosis may not be observed during these processes. The absence of leukocytosis in infectious and inflammatory processes indicates a weakness of the immune system and is an unfavorable sign.

Leukopenia- a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood below 4.0 x 10 9 /l in most cases indicates inhibition of the formation of leukocytes in the bone marrow. More rare mechanisms for the development of leukopenia are increased destruction of leukocytes in the vascular bed and redistribution of leukocytes with their retention in depot organs, for example, during shock and collapse.

Most often, leukopenia is observed due to the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• exposure to ionizing radiation;
• taking certain medications: anti-inflammatory (amidopyrine, butadione, pyrabutol, reopyrin, analgin); antibacterial agents (sulfonamides, synthomycin, chloramphenicol); agents that depress thyroid function (mercasolil, propicil, potassium perchlorate); drugs used to treat oncological diseases - cytostatics (methotrexate, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, etc.);
• hypoplastic or aplastic diseases, in which, for unknown reasons, the formation of leukocytes or other blood cells in the bone marrow is sharply reduced;
• some forms of diseases in which the function of the spleen (hypersplenism) increases, cirrhosis of the liver, lymphogranulomatosis, tuberculosis and syphilis, occurring with damage to the spleen;
• certain infectious diseases: malaria, brucellosis, typhoid fever, measles, rubella, influenza, viral hepatitis;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency;
• with oncopathology with metastases to the bone marrow;
• in the early stages of leukemia.

The leukocyte formula is the ratio in the blood of various forms of leukocytes, expressed as a percentage. Normative values ​​of the leukocyte formula are presented in table. 1.

Table 1 Leukocyte blood formula and the content of various types of leukocytes in healthy people

The name of the condition in which an increase in the percentage of one or another type of leukocyte is detected is formed by adding the ending "-iya", "-oz" or "-ez" to the name of this type of leukocyte (neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinophilia, basophilia, lymphocytosis).

A decrease in the percentage of various types of leukocytes is indicated by adding the ending "-singing" to the name of this type of leukocytes (neutropenia, monocytopenia, eosinopenia, basopenia, lymphopenia).

To avoid a diagnostic error when examining a patient, it is very important for a doctor to determine not only the percentage of different types of leukocytes, but also their absolute number in the blood. For example, if the number of lymphocytes in the leukoformula is 12%, which is significantly below the norm, and the total number of leukocytes is 13.0 x 10 9 / l, then the absolute number of lymphocytes in the blood is 1.56 x 10 9 / l, i.e. " fit into the standard value.

For this reason, there are absolute and relative changes in the content of one form or another of leukocytes. Cases when there is a percentage increase or decrease in various types of leukocytes with their normal absolute content in the blood are designated as absolute neutrophilia (neutropenia), lymphocytosis (lymphopenia), etc. In situations where both the relative (in%) and the absolute number of certain forms of leukocytes, speak of absolute neutrophilia (neutropenia), lymphocytosis (lymphopenia), etc.

Different types of leukocytes "specialize" in different protective reactions of the body, and therefore the analysis of changes in the leukocyte formula can tell a lot about the nature of the pathological process that has developed in the body of a sick person and help the doctor make a correct diagnosis.

Neutrophilia, as a rule, indicates an acute inflammatory process and is most pronounced in purulent diseases. Since the inflammation of an organ in medical terms is indicated by adding the ending "-itis" to the Latin or Greek name of the organ, neutrophilia appears with pleurisy, meningitis, appendicitis, peritonitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, otitis media, etc., as well as acute pneumonia, phlegmon and abscesses of various locations, erysipelas.

In addition, an increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood is detected in many infectious diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetic coma and severe renal failure, after bleeding.

It should be remembered that neutrophilia can cause the use of glucocorticoid hormonal drugs (dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, cortisone, etc.).

Most of all, stab leukocytes react to acute inflammation and purulent process. A condition in which the number of leukocytes of this type in the blood increases is called a stab shift, or a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left. Band shift always accompanies pronounced acute inflammatory (especially suppurative) processes.

Neutropenia noted in some infectious (typhoid fever, malaria) and viral diseases (influenza, poliomyelitis, viral hepatitis A). A low level of neutrophils often accompanies a severe course of inflammatory and purulent processes (for example, in acute or chronic sepsis - a serious illness when pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream and settle freely in internal organs and tissues, forming numerous purulent foci) and is a sign that worsens the prognosis of severe sick.

Neutropenia can develop with suppression of bone marrow function (aplastic and hypoplastic processes), with B12-deficiency anemia, exposure to ionizing radiation, as a result of a number of intoxications, including when taking drugs such as amidopyrine, analgin, butadione, reopyrin, sulfodimethoxine, biseptol, chloramphenicol, cefazolin, glibenclamide, mercazolil, cytostatics, etc. .

If you paid attention, then the factors leading to the development of leukopenia simultaneously reduce the number of neutrophils in the blood.

lymphocytosis characteristic of a number of infections: brucellosis, typhoid and relapsing endemic fever, tuberculosis.

In patients with tuberculosis, lymphocytosis is a positive sign and indicates a favorable course of the disease and subsequent recovery, and lymphopenia worsens the prognosis in this category of patients.

In addition, an increase in the number of lymphocytes is often detected in patients with reduced thyroid function - hypothyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, chronic radiation sickness, bronchial asthma, B12 deficiency anemia, and fasting. An increase in the number of "lymphocytes" has been described with the intake of certain drugs.

Lymphopenia indicates immunodeficiency and is most often detected in people with severe and long-term infectious and inflammatory processes, the most severe forms of tuberculosis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, with certain forms of leukemia and lymphogranulomatosis, prolonged starvation leading to the development of dystrophy, as well as in people who chronically abuse alcohol, substance abusers and drug addicts.

Monocytosis is the most characteristic sign of infectious mononucleosis, and can also occur in some viral diseases - infectious mumps, rubella. An increase in the number of monocytes in the blood is one of the laboratory signs of severe infectious processes - sepsis, tuberculosis, subacute endocarditis, some forms of leukemia (acute monocytic leukemia), as well as malignant diseases of the lymphatic system - lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma.

Monocytopenia is detected with bone marrow damage - aplastic anemia and hairy cell leukemia.

eosinopenia can be observed at the height of the development of infectious diseases, Bi2 ~ deficiency anemia and damage to the bone marrow with a decrease in its function (aplastic processes).

Basophilia usually detected in chronic myeloidemia, a decrease in thyroid function (hypothyroidism), and a physiological increase in basophils in the premenstrual period in women has been described.

Basopenia develops with an increase in thyroid function (thyrotoxicosis), pregnancy, stress, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome - a disease of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, in which the level of hormones of the adrenal cortex - glucocorticoids - is increased in the blood.

Leukocytosis - an increase in the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood over 9.0x109 / l.
The causes of leukocytosis are divided into several groups:
infections (including septicemia);
aseptic tissue necrosis;
systemic connective tissue diseases;
reactive leukocytosis in response to metastatic
bone marrow damage;
physiological leukocytosis.
Most often, leukocytosis is caused by bacterial infections of various types. A particularly pronounced increase in the number of leukocytes occurs with suppuration of wounds, abscesses of organs. Leukocytosis can be a manifestation of an independent neoplastic disease - leukemia. Systemic diseases may be accompanied by leukocytosis, especially often rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, periarteritis nodosa. Leukocytosis against the background of aseptic necrosis is observed in organ infarctions: myocardium, kidney, spleen, with aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, etc.
Physiological leukocytosis is known, which can be observed in individuals after eating, fright, against the background of pain and various stressful situations.
Neutrophilic leukocytosis is characteristic of acute infectious processes, inflammation occurring with tissue necrosis (acute appendicitis, pneumonia, myocardial infarction), lead poisoning, and may also be the result of the use of certain drugs (for example, glucocorticoids).
In severe infectious diseases, myelocytes may appear in the neutrophil formula, and in mature granulocytes - signs of degeneration in the form of hypersegmented nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm, toxigenic granularity, etc.
The leading reserve of mature granulocytes in the body is considered to be the bone marrow granulocyte reserve. Using the radioisotope method, it was found that a rapid increase in the number of granulocytes due to the mobilization of the bone marrow reserve into the peripheral blood during pathological processes begins on the 5th day, often accompanied by a stab shift in the leukocyte formula.
The increased release of leukocytes from the bone marrow storage is associated with the action of colony-stimulating factors (CSF), primarily granulocyte CSF (G-CSF) - a stimulator of growth and maturation of granulocyte leukocytes and granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) - an activator of growth and maturation of granulocytes, monocytes and macrophages.
High neutrophilic leukocytosis with a pronounced shift of the formula to the left up to promyelocytes can occur in acute bacterial pneumonia, acute erythrocyte hemolysis, malignant tumors with multiple bone marrow metastases.
In this case, the total number of leukocytes in the blood volume can increase to significant numbers, which, combined with a sharp rejuvenation of the neutrophil count, resembles the blood picture in chronic myeloid leukemia. This similarity with leukemia was the basis for the name of this blood reaction as a leukemoid reaction of the myeloid type.
Unlike leukemia, in which the hematopoietic tissue is primarily affected, the leukemoid reaction is temporary, symptomatic: it disappears after the cause that caused it is eliminated.
Staying granulocytes in circulation is not their main purpose. Their main function - phagocytic neutrophils perform in tissues, where they migrate through the wall of the capillary.
Eosinophilic leukocytosis - an increase in the total number of leukocytes in the blood volume due to eosinophils, the absolute content of which exceeds 0.3x109/n. Eosinophilia is most often observed in parasitic, allergic diseases, with hypoproduction of glucocorticoids.
Eosinophilia observed in oncological diseases, including leukemia, is apparently due to increased production of IL-3 under the influence of factors released by the tumor tissue. Known cytotoxic effect caused by eosinophil peroxidase, and leading to the death of tumor cells. However, the chemical factors released by the tumor tissue can lead to the degeneration of eosinophils (the appearance of vacuoles in the cytoplasm, a decrease in the number of granules in the cell).
Some diseases, such as histiocytosis (connective tissue disease), are accompanied not only by an increase in eosinophils in the peripheral blood, but also by their accumulation in tissues. Biologically active substances released during degranulation of eosinophils can damage the vascular endothelium, endocardium, etc.
Monocytic leukocytosis - an increase in the total number of leukocytes in the blood volume due to monocytes, the absolute content of which exceeds 0.6x109 / n. Monocytosis occurs in some diseases (smallpox, measles, rubella, infectious mumps, scarlet fever, infectious mononucleosis, acute protozoal diseases). In pulmonary tuberculosis, monocytosis accompanies the acute phase of the disease, changing into the inactive phase of the disease with lymphocytosis. In the focus of inflammation, where monocytes migrate from the bloodstream, they act as macrophages, participating in the neutralization of toxins, regulation of fibroblast activity.
Lymphocytic leukocytosis - an increase in the total number of leukocytes in the blood volume due to lymphocytes, the absolute content of which exceeds 3.0x109/n. Lymphocytosis accompanies chronic bacterial infections (syphilis, tuberculosis), viral diseases, graft-versus-host disease.

The species composition and functions of leukocytes are diverse. The reaction to the events occurring in the body is instantaneous. In most cases, leukocytosis is considered as a protective reaction, but there are other reasons for an increase in the number of white blood cells.

The population of leukocytes (Le) is quite organized, it even gives the impression that they almost have intelligence, because everyone knows: what is happening and where, they are unmistakably sent to the lesions, they recognize “ours” and “theirs”, they kill unwanted “guests”, which are often infectious agents. They respond to trouble in the body by increasing activity and increasing levels in the peripheral blood. Leukocytosis is the name of this process.

There is a strict hierarchy in their population: who is destined to command, and who is to execute flawlessly. It is perfect, because otherwise the complex structure of interactions will be disturbed and then the body will not cope. That is why, as soon as a person gets to the hospital, the first thing they take is a "deuce", that is, leukocytes, since leukocytosis is an important diagnostic sign of many diseases.

Causes of leukocytosis

In order not to be frightened and correctly assess the situation when the analysis is passed and there is a clear increase in white blood cells, you need to know causes of leukocytosis, which can be very diverse:

• Any acute infectious process, even SARS, even influenza, even, God forbid, plague or cholera will give leukocytosis, since leukocytes, being immunocompetent cells, will definitely react;
• Chronic inflammatory diseases localized in any organ also give leukocytosis, although not so pronounced, since the body seems to get used to it and fights not so actively;
• Due to the fact that leukocytes rush to places where there is a problem, the damaged tissues with injuries leukocytes will definitely “call” for help;
• Leukocytosis will manifest itself and accepted food, therefore, it is not recommended to take it before passing the analysis. Digestive (food leukocytosis) occurs when leukocytes enter the circulation from the blood depot and accumulate in the submucosal layer of the intestine after a heavy meal (protective function). This is a physiological process, however, it will make a person worry, and the doctor can be misled;
• With obvious manifestations allergies it is better not to take an analysis - leukocytes will be increased for sure, the same applies to people who have autoimmune diseases, because the body is in constant struggle;
• An increased level of leukocytes can be observed with strong pain and emotional influences, because white blood cells will not remain indifferent to pain, severe physical And psycho-emotional load;
• Leukocytes can "feel someone else's" when they enter the body of some medicinal substances in and, “deciding” that they need to fight, begin to multiply intensively;
• Leukocytosis in children is caused more often than in adults, the causes of its occurrence are all of the above factors, but, plus, it must be borne in mind that the child's body reacts faster and more often to any impact. Children love outdoor games, they run a lot, and if they take an analysis immediately after physical activity, leukocytosis is guaranteed. An elevated white blood cell count performs a metabolic function in newborns, so its high rate is also not a warning sign;
• Such a physiological process pregnancy, also leads to leukocytosis, since the woman's body begins to prepare to protect herself and the child long before childbirth, therefore, an increased content of white blood cells during pregnancy is a completely natural phenomenon. Leukocytosis in pregnant women usually prevents infection from entering the woman's body during childbirth and stimulates the contractile function of the uterus;
• The leukocyte formula of a man is more stable if he is not fond of gluttony, does not engage in power sports and is not particularly zealous in heavy muscular work, since these factors under physiological conditions are the main causes of leukocytosis. At what, myogenic, causing an increase in white cells by 3-5 times, leukocytosis can be both redistributive and true due to increased leukopoiesis;
• Impaired leukopoiesis in the bone marrow, not associated with physiological effects - the worst reason for an increase in the number of white cells, because then it will not be about the reaction of the body, but about a specific disease.

In connection with the foregoing, there are varieties of leukocytosis, which formed the basis of its classification.

Classification and characterization of white blood cells

Approximately half a century ago, the lower limit of the norm of leukocytes ranged from 5.5-6.0 G/l, at present this level has dropped to 4.0 G/l, or even less. This is due to the widespread urbanization, increased radioactive background, the use of a large number of drugs, sometimes unreasonable. However, leukocytosis has not disappeared anywhere and, under certain circumstances, makes itself felt as a symptom of some disease, since it is not an independent nosological unit.

There are the following types of leukocytosis:

1. Physiological ( redistributive or, as they used to call it, relative), due to the redistribution of an increased number of white blood cells between the vessels of various organs;
2. Pathological (reactive or absolute), associated with a violation of leukopoiesis in the pathology of the hematopoietic organs or arising as a response of the body to infectious, purulent-inflammatory, septic and allergic processes.

The classification of leukocytes and leukocytosis is based on the types of white blood cells, their functions and behavior. White blood cells, depending on the presence or absence of specific granules in the cytoplasm, are divided into two rows: granulocytic And agranulocytic.

What kind of cells are these - leukocytes? Why do they behave like this and why do they care about everything? What do the concepts mean neutrophilic and eosinophilic leukocytosis, which are often mentioned by doctors? Why is leukocytosis dangerous or is it not dangerous at all?

And you can understand this if you know the basic properties of leukocytes.

The main properties of leukocytes, their tasks and functions

The size of leukocytes, depending on the type, ranges from 7.5 to 20 microns, they contain many enzymes (peptidases, lipases, diastases, proteases), which are in a calm state in isolation (in lysosomes) and are called lysosomal enzymes. Leukocytes perform their functions outside the vessels, and they use the vascular bed only as a road. They are characterized by an amoeboid movement, with the help of which they penetrate through the capillary endothelium ( diapedesis) and go to the lesion ( positive chemotaxis). The reverse movement of leukocytes from the source of irritation is called negative chemotaxis.

If we talk about the norm of leukocytes, then here the range of variation is quite wide (4.0-9.0 G/l) Moreover, blood taken from a finger contains information about only a sixth of white cells, because their main habitat is tissues. And in order to understand where the norm is and where the pathology is, of course, you need to know what the population of leukocytes is, what tasks it performs, what they are for, and whether it is worth worrying at all if suddenly a large content of white cells is found.

The lifespan of leukocytes depends on the type and ranges from a few days to 20 or more years. Those leukocytes that have turned into “memory cells” are destined to live long, because even after a long period of time they are required to recognize the “alien” that they met many years ago. "Remembering" it, they must immediately "inform interested" species. Those, in turn, must "give the command" to destroy the stranger.

The main tasks of white blood cells can be represented as follows:

• Leukocytes take part in the formation of cellular and humoral immunity, which makes them protective function;
• They enter the gastrointestinal tract, capture nutrients and transfer them to the blood, which is especially important for newborns who, while breastfeeding, along with milk receive ready-made, unchanged mother's immunoglobulins that can protect a small person from many infections. That is why a child up to a year is not afraid of, for example, the flu. Nature has thought of everything by endowing leukocytes metabolic function;
• Dissolve (lyse - lysis) damaged tissues and carry out histolytic task;
• Destroy various bookmarks that are not needed at all, even in the embryonic period - morphogenetic function.

A detailed blood test provides for counting not only the total number of leukocytes, but also the percentage of all types of white blood cells in the smear. By the way, the percentage must be converted to absolute values ​​( leukocyte profile), then the information content of the analysis will increase significantly.

Granulocyte series

The ancestors of leukocytes (myeloblasts), belonging to the granulocytic series, originate in the bone marrow, where they go through several stages and do not enter the bloodstream until the end of maturation. In peripheral blood, under some pathological conditions (or purely by chance - 1 cell), metamyelocytes can be found. These are young (young) cells, they are also precursors of granulocytes. However, if for some reason young people appear in the blood, and at the same time they can not only be seen, but counted in a smear, then we can judge left shift(for leukemia, infectious and inflammatory diseases). An increase in the smear of old forms indicates right shift formula.

formation of blood cells from stem cells in the bone marrow

Cells of the granulocytic series are endowed with pronounced enzymatic and metabolic functions, therefore their characteristic neutrophilic, eosinophilic and basophilic granularity is closely related to the activity of the cell and for each species it strictly specific, i.e., cannot transform from one species to another.

Representatives of granulocytes

Uncontrolled malignant proliferation (multiplication) is called (not to be confused with leukocytosis). Leukocytes in this disease cease to perform their function, as they could not differentiate due to a failure in hematopoiesis. Thus, leukemia is dangerous not so much because of the increased growth in the number of white cells, but because they lack the skills to perform their functions. The treatment of leukemia is a difficult task for hematologists, which, unfortunately, is not always solved successfully. It depends on the form of leukemia.

Many people believe that leukocytes exist in order to show the presence or absence of inflammation, and meanwhile, the scope of white blood cells is very wide. If leukocytes (in particular, T-cells) had not been affected by HIV infection, we would probably have been able to defeat AIDS.

Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood over 8000-9000 in 1 mm 3; hyperleukocytosis - more than 1 mm 3 . Leukocytosis occurs as a result of increased leukopoiesis or from the redistribution of leukocytes in the body.

There are physiological and pathological leukocytosis. Physiological leukocytosis includes digestive (coming after eating), muscular (after physical exertion), leukocytosis of newborns, pregnant women and leukocytosis from cooling. Pathological leukocytosis occurs as a reaction of hematopoietic organs to irritation caused by infectious, toxic, purulent-inflammatory, radiation and other agents. Leukocytosis is also observed during tissue necrosis (myocardial infarction, tumor decay), after large blood loss, injuries, brain injuries, etc. Leukocytosis, as a rule, is a transient phenomenon, it disappears along with the cause that caused it. Temporarily advancing leukocytosis with the appearance of immature forms in the blood is referred to as a leukemoid reaction (see), a persistent similar blood picture is observed in leukemia (see). In most cases, leukocytosis occurs an increase in the number of neutrophils - neutrophilic leukocytosis, often with a shift to the left (see Leukocyte formula). Eosinophilic leukocytosis (see Eosinophilia) accompanies many allergic conditions (bronchial asthma, serum sickness), helminthic invasions, itchy dermatoses, etc. Lymphocytosis (see Lymphocytes) is noted in some infections and intoxications. Monocytosis is observed in septic endocarditis, malaria, rubella, mumps, syphilis, etc.

Leukocytosis - an increase in the total number (or individual forms) of leukocytes in peripheral blood under physiological conditions and pathological processes.

Leukocytosis is temporary and disappears along with the cause that caused it. The normal number of leukocytes in the blood is 6000-8000 per 1 mm 3 with limiting fluctuations from 4000 to 9000 per 1 mm 3. In healthy people, the number of leukocytes is not constant during the day, it fluctuates within the physiological norm. In addition, the average error in the count of leukocytes is 7%. An increase in the number of leukocytes up to and above is called hyperleukocytosis. Leukocytes are normally unevenly distributed in the bloodstream of various organs and systems. Their content was found to be significantly higher in the liver, spleen, and also in the central vessels compared to the vessels of the skin. Leukocytosis can occur as a result of the redistribution of leukocytes in various vascular areas, their mobilization from the depot (redistributive, or neurohumoral, leukocytosis), when the bone marrow is irritated by pathological agents, increased leukopoiesis with the appearance of young forms of leukocytes in the blood (absolute, or true, leukocytosis). Both true and redistributive leukocytosis can be observed simultaneously. The tone of the vessels matters: their expansion and slowing of the blood flow is accompanied by the accumulation of leukocytes, the narrowing is accompanied by a decrease in their number. There are physiological and pathological leukocytosis.

Physiological leukocytosis, mostly redistributive, transient, observed during pregnancy (especially in the later stages), during childbirth and in newborns, with muscle tension (in athletes, in children after crying) - myogenic leukocytosis; with a quick transition from a vertical to a horizontal position - static leukocytosis; after a cold shower or bath. Digestive leukocytosis occurs 2-3 hours after eating, especially protein; it is often preceded by leukopenia. In the development of this type of leukocytosis, conditioned reflex reactions matter: leukocytosis can be observed at the mention of food, by the time of the usual meal. Mental arousal can lead to leukocytosis.

Pathological leukocytosis is observed in many infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, especially purulent, toxic effects, under the influence of ionizing radiation (very briefly), with skull injuries, brain concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, after operations, with shock (traumatic leukocytosis). This includes toxic leukocytosis observed in case of poisoning (arsenic, mercury, carbon monoxide, acids), tissue decay, necrosis due to local circulatory disorders (gangrene of the extremities, heart attacks of internal organs, malignant neoplasms with decay), as well as uremic leukocytosis, drug-induced (when taking collargol, antipyrine), adrenaline (irritation of the sympathetic nerve). Posthemorrhagic leukocytosis occurs after heavy hemorrhages (irritation of the bone marrow by blood decay products). High degrees of leukocytosis with a significant rejuvenation of leukocytes occur with leukemoid reactions, especially with leukemia. In some diseases (appendicitis, croupous pneumonia, angina pectoris), an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood taken from the skin over the affected organ was noted - local leukocytosis.

Pathological leukocytosis is most often neutrophilic (neutrophilia) and is often accompanied by qualitative changes in neutrophils (“nuclear shift”). The severity of leukocytosis during infection depends on its severity, nature and reactivity of the organism. In young people, the reaction of the hematopoietic tissue is more pronounced, in the elderly it is often absent. In addition to neutrophilic leukocytosis, there are leukocytosis, depending on the increase in the number of other types of leukocytes.

Eosinophilic leukocytosis (eosinophilia) often occurs without an increase in the total number of leukocytes. Eosinophilia is observed in allergic conditions (bronchial asthma, angioedema, intolerance to drugs, such as penicillin, etc.), with helminthiases (ascariasis, echinococcosis, trichinosis), as well as with scarlet fever, periarteritis nodosa, hemorrhagic vasculitis, rheumatism, syphilis, tuberculosis, lymphogranulomatosis. The appearance of eosinophilia in acute infectious diseases during the period of fever subsidence is regarded as a favorable prognostic sign.

Basophilic leukocytosis is rarely observed, for example, with the injection of a foreign protein (vaccinations), hemophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukemia.

The noted types of leukocytosis occurring with an increase in granulocytes can be considered as granulocytosis. There may also be an increase in blood lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) and monocytes (monocytosis). Monocytosis is noted in infections (typhus, malaria, smallpox, measles, mumps, syphilis), protozoal diseases, protracted septic endocarditis, chronic sepsis.

Pathological leukocytosis has a certain diagnostic and prognostic value, in particular for the differential diagnosis of a number of infectious diseases and various inflammatory processes, assessing the severity of the disease, the reactive ability of the body, and the effectiveness of therapy. This should take into account the increase in the number of leukocytes of certain types, the qualitative features of neutrophils ("nuclear shift") and the clinical picture of the disease as a whole.

leukocytosis

Leukocytosis (leucocytosis) - an increased number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood (usually more than 10 billion / l).

There are three pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of leukocytosis:

1. thickening of the blood;
2. redistribution of leukocytes in the vascular bed;
3. release of leukocytes from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood.

Leukocytosis is pathological and physiological. Pathological leukocytosis occurs in painful conditions, physiological can occur in healthy people.

Physiological leukocytosis can be triggered by several reasons:

• food intake (the number of leukocytes in this case does not exceed 10-12×10 9 /l);
• physical work (myogenic leukocytosis);
• transition from a vertical to a horizontal position (orthostatic leukocytosis);
• taking hot and cold baths;
• premenstrual period;
• pregnancy, childbirth.

The causes of pathological leukocytosis can be:

• inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms (peritonitis, phlegmon, etc.);
• inflammatory diseases of non-microbial origin (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis);
• infectious diseases that mainly affect the cells of the immune system (infectious lymphocytosis and infectious mononucleosis);
• infectious diseases (pyelonephritis, sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, etc.);
• heart attacks of organs (myocardium, lungs);
• proliferative diseases of the blood system, in particular leukemic and subleukemic forms;
• big blood loss;
• splenectomy;
• uremia, diabetic coma;
• malignant diseases.

There are several main forms of pathological leukocytosis:

Basophilic leukocytosis is caused by an increase in the production of basophils observed during pregnancy, ulcerative colitis, myxedema, and allergic reactions. In these cases, an increase in the number of basophils does not lead to an increase in the number of leukocytes. An increase in basophils is an unfavorable prognostic sign in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Eosinophilic leukocytosis is caused by the acceleration of leukocyte production and their release from the bone marrow into the blood. The main cause of this leukocytosis are immediate-type allergic reactions.

Neutrophilic leukocytosis in most cases is due to an increase in the production of leukocytes and their release from the bone marrow into the blood. At the same time, absolute neutrophilic leukocytosis is noted. If most of the leukocytes pass from the marginal pool to the circulating pool, relative neutrophilic leukocytosis is observed.

Lymphocytic leukocytosis (lymphocytosis) is characteristic of some acute and chronic infections, infectious mononucleosis. Infectious lymphocytosis occurs with an increase in the absolute number of lymphocytes in the blood, this is due to an increase in the flow of lymphocytes into the blood from the organs of lymphocytopoiesis.

Monocytic leukocytosis (monocytosis) is observed in bacterial infections, diffuse connective tissue diseases, diseases caused by rickettsia, malignant neoplasms, sarcoidosis. In chronic myelomonocytic and monocytic leukemia, a stable increase in the number of monocytes in the blood is observed. Absolute monocytosis occurs in patients with infectious mononucleosis or agranulocytosis in the phase of the onset of recovery.

Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis is a condition characterized by an excess of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and are part of the human immune system, protecting us from the invasion of "enemies" and preventing the reproduction of pathological cells. The number of leukocytes in the blood is not a constant value, it increases with emotional or physical stress, sudden changes in ambient temperature, protein intake, and diseases. In the case of a disease, leukocytosis is pathological, while an increase in the number of leukocytes in a healthy person is physiological leukocytosis. A significant increase (up to several hundred thousand) in the number of leukocytes usually indicates a serious blood disease - leukemia, and an increase to several tens of thousands indicates an inflammatory process.

Leukocytosis - what is it?

Leukocytes are blood cells that support the immune system in the body. They are not homogeneous, there are several varieties of them that perform certain functions:

• Neutrophils - destroy bacteria by phagocytosis, "devouring" the bacterial cell.
• Monocytes - actively move from the blood to the focus of inflammation, where they utilize large foreign particles.
• Lymphocytes - are responsible for the destruction of viruses that have entered the body and antitumor immunity.
• Eosinophils and basophils are involved in allergic reactions.

Normally, the number of these cells varies - from 4 to 9 x 109 per liter of blood. Accordingly, leukocytosis is an increase in their number above the norm. The quantitative severity depends on its causes and the physiological state of the body.

Types of leukocytosis

Leukocytosis can be true or absolute (with an increase in leukocytes or mobilization of their reserves from the bone marrow), as well as redistributive or relative (an increase in the number of leukocytes as a result of blood clotting or their redistribution in the vessels).

There are also the following types of leukocytosis:

1. Physiological leukocytosis: observed after heavy physical exertion, protein intake, etc.;
2. Pathological symptomatic leukocytosis: occurs with certain infectious diseases, purulent-inflammatory processes, as well as as a result of a certain reaction of the bone marrow to tissue breakdown, which caused toxic effects or circulatory disorders;
3. Short-term leukocytosis: occurs as a result of a sharp "release" of leukocytes into the blood, for example, during stress or hypothermia. In such cases, the disease is reactive in nature, i.e. disappears along with the cause of its occurrence;
4. Neurophilic leukocytosis is most often caused by an increase in the formation and release of neutrophils into the blood, while an increase in the absolute number of leukocytes is noted in the vascular bed. It is observed in acute infection, chronic inflammation, as well as myeloproliferative diseases (blood diseases);
5. Eosinophilic leukocytosis develops as a result of accelerating the formation or release of eosinophils into the blood. The main causes are allergic reactions, including to foods and drugs;
6. Basophilic leukocytosis is due to an increase in the formation of basophils. Observed during pregnancy, nonspecific ulcerative colitis, myxedema;
7. Lymphocytic leukocytosis is characterized by an increase in lymphocytes in the blood. Observed in chronic infections (brucellosis, syphilis, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis) and some acute (whooping cough);
8. Monocytic leukocytosis is extremely rare. It is observed in malignant tumors, sarcoidosis, some bacterial infections.

Causes of leukocytosis

This condition in most cases is a reaction of the body to the influence of factors that can change the constancy of the internal environment (homeostasis). Conventionally, they can be divided into physiological, pathological factors and directly blood diseases.

Physiological factors

The impact of this group of causes is not a manifestation of the disease, the number of cells increases temporarily and returns to normal on its own. These include:

1. Eating - leads to a slight increase in leukocytes dox 109 per liter of blood, their return to normal occurs within a few hours. Therefore, it is recommended to donate blood for clinical analysis on an empty stomach.
2. Physical activity - during muscular work, lactic acid accumulates in the body, causing an increase in leukocytes.
3. Exposure to high or low temperatures.
4. Stress, nervous strain.
5. Leukocytosis during pregnancy is associated with a change in the hormonal background of a woman in the second trimester of pregnancy. Additional studies are being conducted to rule out pathology.
6. Physiological leukocytosis in newborns - after the birth of a child, this is necessary for the baby to meet the external environment, its additional protection from aggressive factors and infections.

Pathological factors

This group of reasons leads to persistent leukocytosis, its return to normal does not occur on its own, but only after appropriate treatment aimed at eliminating the causative factors, namely:

• Bacterial infection - all pathogenic bacteria, entering the body, cause an inflammatory reaction and leukocytosis due to neutrophils.
• Viral infection - lymphocytes increase, which destroy the cells affected by the virus.
• Allergic reactions - when an allergen enters the body, eosinophils and basophils are activated, they secrete specific substances responsible for the manifestations of allergies.
• Infarctions of various organs are the death of the cells of an organ due to an acute violation of blood circulation in it, leading to aseptic (not bacterial) inflammation. At the same time, monocytes and neutrophils utilize dead cells.
• Extensive burns - neutrophils and monocytes utilize the dead cells of damaged tissues.
• Significant blood loss - there is an increase in the number of all blood cells due to a decrease in the volume of its liquid part (plasma).
• Removal of the spleen - the spleen is responsible for the utilization of leukocytes and erythrocytes, in the absence of which old cells accumulate in the blood.
• Uremia - an acute disruption of the kidneys causes an increase in the concentration of non-excreted protein breakdown products, leading to intoxication (poisoning).

Blood diseases

These diseases include leukemia, which is characterized by the uncontrolled division of malignant cells in the bone marrow. Moreover, almost all leukocytes are defective, unable to perform their functions. Depending on the severity, several forms of leukemia are distinguished:

• leukemic - the number of leukocytes 109 per liter;
• subleukemic - x 109 per liter;
• leukopenic - in this form - reduced;
• aleukemic - their almost complete absence.

It should be noted that the causes of leukocytosis in children are the same as in adults, but the rate and severity of the increase in the number of leukocytes is much higher. So, with the same infection, the reaction of the body in a child will be more pronounced than in an adult.

Symptoms of leukocytosis

Leukocytosis is not an independent disease, and therefore its symptoms coincide with the signs of the diseases that caused it. In children, leukocytosis is often asymptomatic, which is why doctors recommend that parents periodically donate their child's blood for analysis in order to detect abnormalities in the composition of the blood at an early stage.

The most dangerous, although the rarest type of leukocytosis is leukemia, or blood cancer, and therefore it is necessary to know its symptoms in order not to miss the onset of the disease. So, with leukemia, the common symptoms of leukocytosis are as follows:

• Causeless malaise, weakness, fatigue;
• Increased body temperature, increased sweating at night;
• Spontaneous hemorrhages, frequent bruising, bruising;
• Fainting, dizziness;
• Pain in the legs, arms and abdomen;
• Labored breathing;
• poor appetite;
• Unexplained weight loss.

If you find yourself with two or more of these signs, you should consult a doctor and take a blood test.

Why is leukocytosis dangerous?

By itself, an increase in leukocytes is the body's response to a disease. Identification through a clinical blood test requires further in-depth examination in order to diagnose the causes. An unexplained cause, the lack of its treatment are dangerous for the body, as they can lead to the development of complications and depletion of the immune system.

The main danger is a complication of the development of those diseases that caused the onset of the disease. Leukemia, malignant tumors, etc. may also develop. The condition of pregnant women with such a diagnosis may worsen, up to premature birth or the development of pathologies in the fetus. Physiological leukocytosis, as a rule, does not pose a danger and is easily corrected by the body without outside help.

Diagnostics

To identify this disease, you may need:

• take a general blood test;
• take a detailed blood test;
• perform a bone marrow biopsy;
• perform a biopsy of the lymph nodes;
• do a biopsy of the liver and spleen;
• donate a peripheral blood smear.

The interpretation of the analyzes should be performed by an experienced therapist, who, based on the results, will be able to confirm or refute the diagnosis. If alarming symptoms are observed in a child, diagnosis and examination should be carried out by a pediatrician. It should be remembered that the treatment of leukocytosis cannot be carried out without finding out the cause that caused it!

Treatment of leukocytosis

Treatment is completely aimed at eliminating the causes, for which various approaches are used:

• antibiotics for bacterial infection;
• antiviral drugs;
• antiallergic agents;
• restoration of tissues and organs after burns or heart attacks;
• detoxification therapy for uremia;
• chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation in case of leukemia;
• increase in plasma volume after bleeding.

An important step in the treatment process is proper individual nutrition. In the case of a low level of leukocytes, the diet should be enriched with foods that stimulate the production of hemoglobin. It is best to eat foods enriched with vitamin B9, legumes, drink milk. You should also limit the consumption of meat products, completely eliminating the kidneys and liver.

Prevention

• prevention of the development of bacterial and infectious diseases;
• regular check-ups with a therapist;
• regular testing;
• systematic increase in immunity;
• preventive examinations by narrow specialists;
• adherence to the principles of rational nutrition;
• maintaining a healthy daily routine;
• for pregnant women - healthy sleep for at least eight hours a day and good nutrition.

The treatment of leukocytosis in the blood should be handled by an experienced therapist. You may need the help of an infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, nephrologist, urologist, gynecologist, andrologist, etc.

Thrombocytopathy

Hemophilia

Polycythemia

The information on the site is provided for reference purposes only. Do not self-medicate, be sure to consult a doctor.

Causes of an increase in leukocytes in the blood

A clinical blood test is one of the simplest and most common tests. In addition, it is highly informative. Of great importance in this study is the calculation of the total number of leukocytes, as well as their individual fractions. The norm of their content in the blood ranges from 4 to 9 billion per liter. If there is an increase in their number, then this condition is called leukocytosis, if the decrease is leukopenia. Let us dwell in detail on the reasons why leukocytes in the blood can be increased without affecting changes in the leukocyte formula (this is a separate big topic). Leukocytosis is a fairly common symptom, so it is very important to have an idea about the factors that cause it.

Physiological leukocytosis

Often, an increase in leukocytes in the blood is due to physiological causes and is not associated with any pathological conditions. Most often, such leukocytosis is redistributive. This means that the total content of leukocytes in the blood does not really change, they are simply redistributed in favor of the skin vessels, from which the analysis is taken. This creates a false impression that there are more leukocytes.

A striking example of this is digestive leukocytosis associated with the intake of food, especially rich in proteins. It can occur just before eating and last for another 2-4 hours after. It is based on conditioned reflex reactions. Sometimes they may not even be associated with the food itself, but with the anticipation of the meal (for example, if a person eats at the same hours every day). It is because of this reaction of the body that patients are advised not to eat before the analysis.

There is also myogenic leukocytosis: an increase in the content of leukocytes in the peripheral blood after intense physical exertion. It is almost constantly observed in athletes involved in high performance sports, but most often in pregnant women, especially on the eve of childbirth (during this period, the woman's muscles perform more intense work than usual, because there is a significant weight gain).

Of course, the same picture is observed directly during childbirth, because childbirth is associated with strong muscle tension. Myogenic leukocytosis immediately after birth is also observed in newborns - during the first cry (this is the earliest muscle load that the child receives), and then for another two days from the moment of birth.

An increase in the level of leukocytes is often associated with a redistribution of blood flow. This is observed when the body moves too quickly from a vertical to a horizontal position (static leukocytosis), expansion of peripheral vessels after a bath or a contrast shower. In addition, the physiological increase in the number of leukocytes may be associated with their sharp release from the depot. Most often, this happens in a stressful situation, when, as a result of psycho-emotional stress, a large amount of adrenaline is released into the blood, which stimulates the release of deposited leukocytes into the blood. There is also puerperal leukocytosis, which develops two weeks after childbirth, and some other rarer types of physiological leukocytosis. With each of them, the number of white blood cells in the blood does not exceed billions per liter.

Pathological leukocytosis

Infections and inflammatory diseases are the most common cause of an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood. Typical pathogens, in response to the introduction of which leukocytosis occurs, are cocci:

But with such infections as influenza, malaria, measles, typhoid fever, rubella, brucellosis, poliomyelitis, on the contrary, leukopenia is observed.

An increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood during infections is due to the effect of bacterial toxins and protein breakdown products on the red bone marrow. As a result of this influence, the formation of new white blood cells is stimulated, and their number grows. However, over time, if the necessary treatment is not carried out, the reserves of the bone marrow will begin to deplete, and leukopenia may occur, which is an extremely unfavorable sign.

The highest leukocytosis develops with pneumococcal infection, especially with croupous pneumonia. With this disease, there is an increase in leukocytes in the blood of billions per liter. The same high numbers are observed in sepsis, meningitis, erysipelas. In the case of severe sepsis, the level of leukocytes can reach 100 billion per liter and even higher. With less pronounced inflammatory processes (pleurisy, pericarditis, etc.), which have a streptococcal or staphylococcal etiology, the number of leukocytes increases within billions per liter of blood.

An increase in the level of leukocytes is an important diagnostic feature in the detection of purulent processes. For example, with purulent appendicitis, the patient's temperature does not always rise, and it is leukocytosis that indicates an intense inflammatory process, on the basis of which the doctor decides to perform the operation. The number of leukocytes in purulent processes reaches billions per liter of blood.

Another cause of leukocytosis is acute blood loss (with injuries, internal bleeding, gynecological bleeding, etc.). At present, it is not fully understood why this is happening. There is a theory according to which the products of tissue decay, as well as a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood, stimulate the intensive production of leukocytes.

Tissue decay products are also the cause of leukocytosis in burns, myocardial infarction, and tumor destruction. It is somewhat difficult to determine the cause of the increase in the level of leukocytes in women after childbirth: their leukocytosis can be both physiological and pathological. In this case, doctors rely on additional data.

The most unfavorable causes of leukocytosis are leukemia and lymphogranulomatosis. With leukemia, a systemic lesion of the hematopoietic organs occurs, with lymphogranulomatosis - individual lymph nodes. Especially a lot of leukocytes in the blood appears in chronic leukemia. In this case, their number can reach 100 billion per liter of blood, and even higher. However, not every leukemia has leukocytosis. That is why doctors pay attention not only to the number of leukocytes, but also to the leukocyte formula.

Also, leukocytosis can be caused by the influence of toxic substances: it is observed in case of poisoning with mercury, arsenic, carbon monoxide. In addition, the number of leukocytes in the blood may increase after taking certain drugs: analgesics, glucocorticosteroids, antipyretics, silver preparations, etc. Drug-induced leukocytosis should be considered normal, but it cannot be attributed to physiological, since it is caused not by natural causes, but by the influence of drugs.

There are many reasons that can lead to leukocytosis, ranging from physiological, such as eating or childbirth, to pathological, such as infection, trauma, or even leukemia. Only a doctor can determine why the leukocytes are elevated, what reason served for this. After a clinical blood test, he will prescribe the necessary additional examinations, make a diagnosis and, if necessary, select a competent treatment.

Leukocytosis physiological

Leukocytosis. Classification, general characteristics. Leukocytosis is a secondary symptomatic increase in the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood of more than 1 μl, and with a constantly low initial level of leukocytes (3,000–5,000 in 1 μl), more than 8,000–9,000 in 1 μl.

Classification of leukocytosis. In accordance with the shift of the leukocyte formula, the following types of leukocytosis are distinguished:

1) neutrophilic leukocytosis,

2) eosinophilic leukocytosis,

3) basophilic leukocytosis,

4) eosinophilic-basophilic leukocytosis,

5) neutrophilic-eosinopenic leukocytosis,

6) neutrophilic - eosinophilic leukocytosis,

9) lymphocytic - neutropenic,

10) monocytic-lymphocytic leukocytosis.

An increase in the content of leukocytes in the peripheral blood can be physiological and pathological.

Physiological leukocytosis occurs in a healthy body, as a rule, is of a redistributive nature and, accordingly, is not associated with an increase in bone marrow hematopoiesis.

There are the following types of physiological leukocytosis:

a) neonatal leukocytosis. At the birth of a child, the number of leukocytes is 9,000 per 1 μl, and a week after birth, the content of leukocytes fluctuates from 1 μl. However, in a number of cases, 6 and even 13 years after birth, leukocytosis of microliters is noted;

b) digestive leukocytosis, which develops 2-3 hours after eating;

c) myogenic leukocytosis;

d) leukocytosis during emotional stress;

e) leukocytosis during the transition from a horizontal to a vertical position (orthostatic leukocytosis).

Physiological include leukocytosis, which occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Its development involves both redistributive mechanisms and intensification of leukopoiesis processes.

In some cases, redistributive leukocytosis may occur after the administration of drugs (agonists). However, with prolonged administration of adrenomimetic drugs, leukocytosis can be caused not only by the redistribution of leukocytes, but also by an increase in bone marrow hematopoiesis.

Regarding the features of the hematological picture in redistributive leukocytosis, it should be noted its short duration, rapid normalization of the content of leukocytes in the blood after the elimination of the action of the etiological factor, as well as the normal ratio of leukocytes in the leukocyte formula.

Unlike physiological leukocytosis, pathological leukocytosis is of a secondary symptomatic nature; it develops in various forms of pathology of an infectious and non-infectious nature.

The basis of pathological leukocytosis is the activation of myelopoiesis and increased release of leukocytes from the bone marrow into the systemic circulation. Hyperplasia of myeloid or lymphoid tissue can occur under the influence of toxic and enzymatic factors of a bacterial nature, tissue decay products, as well as blood leukocytes, hormonal and humoral stimulants of a non-hormonal nature.

As is known, the most significant regulators of leukopoiesis are colony-stimulating factors (CSF), which act not only at the level of committed progenitor cells, but also stimulate the proliferation and maturation of morphologically identifiable bone marrow granulomanocytic cells. In this regard, it is obvious that under conditions of pathology, the production of CSF is enhanced, which facilitates the release of neutrophilic leukocytes into the blood from the bone marrow, as well as stimulating the processes of maturation and proliferation of elements of the granulomonocytic series.

In the mechanisms of development of true leukocytosis associated with hyperplasia of myeloid tissue, an important role should be assigned to changes in the hormonal balance inherent in various diseases of an infectious and non-infectious nature.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, glucocorticoids, and catecholamines are known to be the most important adaptation hormones that are intensively produced under the action of stress stimuli (pathogenic factors). The latter stimulate the processes of myelopoiesis indirectly by increasing the production of CSF by the cells of the monocyte-macrophage and lymphoid system.

Changes regarding the qualitative and quantitative composition of leukocytes often reflect the nature of the infectious agent, the prevalence of the inflammatory process, the body's response to the corresponding etiological factor, therefore, revealing the nature of leukocytosis can have not only diagnostic, but also prognostic value.

Leukocytosis is more often observed in acutely developing infections and much less frequently in chronic diseases.

Hematological characteristics of certain types of leukocytosis. Neutrophilic leukocytosis occurs with bacterial infections and intoxications of a generalized or predominantly local nature, more often with infections that cause the development of purulent inflammation (streptococcal, staphylococcal, meningococcal). However, neutrophilic leukocytosis can occur as a result of blood loss, acute hemolysis, in individuals with malignant neoplasms, during hypoxia, and intoxications of endogenous origin. Pathological neutrophilic leukocytosis, as a rule, is due to an increase in myelopoiesis, as well as an increase in the release of neutrophils from the bone marrow granulocytic reserve into the blood.

The most important stimulators of granulocytopoiesis are colony-stimulating factors produced by monocyte-macrophage elements. Inhibitors of the mitotic activity of leukocyte cells are keyons, the waste products of mature neutrophils, as well as lactoferrin, prostaglandins E synthesized by macrophages. Thus, the intensity of granulocytopoiesis is regulated by colony-stimulating factors and a complex of inhibitors produced by virtually the same cells, according to the feedback principle. Violation of this relationship in pathological conditions leads to the intensification of granulocytopoiesis.

As mentioned above, the development of neutrophilic leukocytosis is possible under various stressful conditions, accompanied by the development of hypoxia, pain trauma, and exposure to emotogenic factors. Naturally, the leukocytosis that occurs under such conditions can be of a redistributive nature and occur under the influence of adaptation hormones.

To assess the severity of neutrophilic leukocytosis, the so-called nuclear index of neutrophil shift to the left is used, which is the ratio of the sum of all non-segmented neutrophils to the number of segmented cells. Normally, the shift index is 0.06–0.08. With a favorable course of the disease, the so-called regenerative shift is noted, in which the shift index does not exceed 0.25–0.45. At the same time, stab leukocytes and metamyelocytes appear in excess in the peripheral blood. The hyperregenerative nuclear shift index is noted in severe infectious and purulent-septic processes, its value increases to 1.0–2.0.

At the same time, leukocytosis often acquires the character of a leukemoid reaction, when the number of leukocytes increases up to 1 μl, and in the peripheral blood, not only the content of stab and young, but also myelocytes increases.

The appearance of myeloblasts in the blood against the background of a high level of leukocytes should be considered as a sign of a leukemoid reaction or, more often, leukemia.

Quantitative changes in peripheral blood neutrophils in pathological conditions are often combined with their qualitative changes. So, during purulent-septic processes, in particular with peritonitis, phlegmon, toxigenic granularity is found in the cytoplasm of neutrophils - intensely stained grains as a result of coagulation of cytoplasmic proteins under the influence of infectious-toxic factors.

Other degenerative signs of neutrophils include anisocytosis, pycnosis and swelling of the nuclei, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, or wrinkling of the entire cell.

Eosinophilic leukocytosis is characterized by an increase in the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood of more than 5% and accompanies a variety of diseases, but very often it is one of the manifestations of allergization of the body. So, eosinophilia is typical for atopic (anaphylactic) reactions, in particular bronchial asthma, hay fever, allergic dermatitis, drug reactions, angioedema angioedema.

Eosinophilia in allergic diseases is protective and adaptive in nature, since a characteristic feature of eosinophils is the ability to adsorb and inactivate excessive concentrations of histamine that accumulate in the pathochemical phase of allergic reactions in the extracellular environment.

The mechanisms underlying the development of eosinophilia in allergic diseases remain unclear. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the state of sensitization often occurs against the background of an altered hormonal balance, in particular, with insufficient levels of ACTH and glucocorticoids, and as is known, these hormones have the ability to enhance the processes of lysis of eosinophils and their migration from the systemic circulation to tissues. In this regard, it is obvious that eosinophilic leukocytosis also occurs as one of the manifestations of adrenal insufficiency.

Eosinophilic leukocytosis is characteristic of a number of autoimmune and malignant diseases, in particular chronic myeloid leukemia and lymphogranulomatosis. In myeloproliferative diseases, an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood is due to an increase in eosinophilopoiesis due to tumor transformation of bone marrow cells.

In some cases, eosinophilic leukocytosis is observed in premature babies and full-term newborns in the first 3 months of life.

Basophilic leukocytosis is extremely rare and, due to the low content of basophils in peripheral blood (0.5–1.0%), does not significantly affect the total content of leukocytes per unit volume of blood.

An increase in the number of basophils can occur with myxedema, ulcerative colitis, and allergic reactions. However, in some cases, basophilia is one of the formidable symptoms of the development of tumor cell transformation and myeloproliferative processes in the bone marrow. Basophilic leukocytosis occurs with erythremia, and in combination with hypereosinophilia in chronic myelogenous leukemia. An increase in the number of basophils in the peripheral blood in leukemia is a prognostically unfavorable sign, indicating the possibility of developing the terminal stage of pathology.

Lymphocytic leukocytosis is characterized by an increase in the content of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood over 35%. Lymphocytosis, like other types of leukocytosis, can be absolute and relative. Absolute lymphocytosis is due to increased lymphopoiesis, an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the leukocyte formula against the background of an increased content of leukocytes in the peripheral blood. Relative lymphocytosis is noted, as a rule, against the background of a general decrease in the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood and the predominance of lymphocytes, although the absolute content of lymphocytes remains unchanged.

Absolute lymphocytosis is a sign of some acute and chronic infections (whooping cough, viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis). In some cases, lymphocytosis is a symptom of malignant diseases - acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphosarcoma, as well as endocrinopathies - thyrotoxicosis, adrenal insufficiency.

Relative lymphocytosis occurs as a result of inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis, in particular granulocytopoiesis, under the influence of bacterial, toxic, viral, immunoallergic factors, drugs, exposure to ionizing radiation and X-ray exposure to the bone marrow. Relative lymphocytosis in combination with neutropenia can occur with a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12, when bone marrow hematopoiesis is suppressed.

Monocytosis - an increase in the number of monocytes in peripheral blood over 8% - occurs as a manifestation of stimulation of monocytopoiesis under the influence of colony-stimulating factors produced by the monocyte-macrophage system; observed in bacterial diseases (tuberculosis, brucellosis, subacute septic endocarditis), as well as in mononucleosis, sarcoidosis, collagenoses, breast and ovarian cancer in the phase of the onset of recovery in individuals with agranulocytosis.

Bibliographic link

URL: http://expeducation.ru/ru/article/view?id=7791 (date of access: 03/15/2018).

candidates and doctors of sciences

International Journal of Experiential Education

The journal has been published since 2007. The journal publishes scientific reviews, articles of a problematic and scientific-practical nature. The journal is presented in the Scientific Electronic Library. The journal is registered with the Center International de l'ISSN. Journal numbers and publications are assigned a DOI (Digital object identifier).

Leukocytosis, or a condition when there are a lot of leukocytes in the blood, is perhaps one of the most common abnormalities in the blood formula in children and adults. This is because there are a lot of diseases accompanied by such a pathology - from infectious processes to blood cancer and other very dangerous diseases. Only a doctor can understand the causes of this condition, prescribe the correct treatment and stop the development of pathology.

Features of the disease

The biological significance of leukocytes - white blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow - is very important. They are directly involved in the formation of immunity at the cellular level. In addition, leukocytes in the blood can dissolve damaged tissues and help remove them from the body, and also enter the gastrointestinal tract, capture useful substances, and transfer them to the blood. The size of leukocytes is 7.5-20 microns; these cells contain a lot of lysosomal enzymes. Vessels are needed by leukocytes only for movement, and they carry out all their tasks outside the vascular bed.

The normal number of leukocytes for an older child and an adult is 4.0-9.0 * 10 * 9 / l. But the norm of this blood indicator in the general analysis can be exceeded, for which there are a great many reasons. Too high a leukocyte count is observed with leukocytosis: this is how an increase in the content of these cells in a blood test is indicated. More accurate is the analysis of the leukocyte profile (leukocyte formula), which reflects the number of leukocytes of certain types. The following are the types of white blood cells and their functions in the body:

1. Neutrophils - devour bacteria by phagocytosis.
2. Monocytes - quickly move to the area of ​​inflammation, and there they utilize large particles that are foreign to the body.
3. Lymphocytes are responsible for eliminating viruses that have entered the bloodstream, as well as for stimulating antitumor immunity.
4. Basophils, eosinophils - take part in allergy reactions.

Increased leukocytosis in the blood appears not only in various diseases. The classification of this condition includes its two types:

1. Physiological. It occurs in healthy people, since the total number of leukocytes is a variable value that changes with stress, physical exertion, temperature changes, abundant protein intake, and pregnancy.
2. Pathological. It develops in various pathological processes, both in infectious and blood diseases.

Usually a small (moderate) leukocytosis is recognized with an increase in the number of leukocytes up to 10-12 * 10 * 9 / l, but with a constant low initial level, this pathology is already noted with an increase to 8-9 * 10 * 9 / l. Acute, sharp leukocytosis (above 20 * 10 * 9 / l) is often referred to as "hyperleukocytosis", and this condition is always accompanied by a strong shift of the leukoformula to the left. Seriously pronounced leukocytosis (50-100 * 10 * 9 / l. or more) usually reflects the occurrence of leukemia, a severe oncological disease.

The classification of types of leukocytosis depending on the etiology is as follows:

1. Physiological leukocytosis (always redistributive):

• in healthy newborns of the first two days of life;
• in healthy pregnant women (occurs from 5-6 months of gestation);
• in women in childbirth (noted by the beginning of the second week after childbirth);
• myogenic (muscular);
• digestive (food or alimentary);
• emotional;
• acclimatization.

Pathological leukocytosis (has a transient character and goes along with the underlying disease):

• infectious (bacterial or viral);
• inflammatory;
• toxicogenic;
• posthemorrhagic;
• neoplasm (reflects the decay of the tumor);
• leukemic;
• unclear etiology.

There are also absolute leukocytosis - an increase in the absolute number of certain types of leukocytes, relative leukocytosis - an increase in the percentage of red blood cells when there is a decrease in other types of leukocytes.

Causes of leukocytosis in the blood

By itself, leukocytosis is the body's reaction to a disease or other abnormal condition. Finding out the exact cause of the pathology is very important, because it is not the leukocytosis itself that is dangerous, but the pathology that caused it. The lack of the necessary therapeutic measures can lead to the development of dangerous consequences and to the depletion of the protective functions of the immune system.

According to the pathogenesis, all leukocytosis is divided into the following groups:

1. Increased myeloplastic bone marrow function, which can be reactive and blastoma. This condition is called true (absolute) leukocytosis, occurs with infections, septic and purulent processes, aseptic inflammation - allergies, autoimmune diseases, frostbite, trauma, burns, myocardial infarction. This type of leukocytosis is also characteristic of intoxication with drugs or other toxic substances, occurs after exposure, with bleeding.
2. Redistribution of leukocytes, when their number increases due to the mobilization of cells from the depot (false or relative leukocytosis). With anaphylactic reactions, the number of white blood cells in the liver, lungs, intestines increases, as well as with severe traumatic shock, severe physical overload. This phenomenon is always temporary, and is not combined with an increase in the level of young leukocytes.
3. Hyperproduction of white blood cells in tumor lesions of the blood - in leukemia. There is an atypical increase in the total number of leukocytes due to the activation of cancer cell proliferation and faster division and maturation of normal leukocytes under the influence of tumor antigens.
4. Increase in blood viscosity. This can occur against the background of diarrhea, vomiting, polyuria, when, with a normal total number of leukocytes and other blood cells, their concentration in a blood unit has increased.

As for the causes of physiological leukocytosis, most of them are listed above. First of all, this is nutrition, because eating causes a slight increase in white cells in the blood up to 10-12 * 10 * 9 / l, so the general analysis should be taken on an empty stomach. Physical activity, sports due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the body also provokes mild leukocytosis. A similar reaction of the body is observed with nervous overstrain, exposure to high and low temperatures. In infants, immediately after birth, leukocytes rise for a normal "meeting" of the child with the environment, and within 48 hours they return to normal. In the second trimester of pregnancy, a change in the hormonal background also causes leukocytosis, which must necessarily be differentiated from a pathological increase in leukocytes.

With leukemia, which can occur even in infants, only at the very beginning of the pathology there may be a reduced level of leukocytes, but this figure rises very quickly, while the leukocytes are defective. In general, the causes of leukocytosis in children and adults are the same, but the child's body reacts to all pathological changes more quickly and more pronounced.

As a rule, most leukocytosis are neutrophilic, that is, they involve an increase in the number of red blood cells due to neutrophils. But sometimes leukocytosis can be basophilic, eosinophilic, lymphocytic, monocytic, mixed. The following are the main causes of this or sometimes type of leukocytosis according to changes in the leukocyte formula:

1. Neutrophilic leukocytosis (stab or segmented neutrophilia). It includes all types of physiological increase in white blood cells, as well as pathological neutrophilia in all types of infections, as well as in the presence of chronic foci of bacteria, intoxication, severe hypoxia, heavy bleeding, acute hemolysis, and cancer.
2. Eosinophilic leukocytosis. Its pathophysiology is based on the release of eosinophils into the blood from the bone marrow or the acceleration of their production. The causes are immediate allergic reactions, Quincke's edema, bronchial asthma, skin allergies, helminthiases, periarteritis nodosa, scarlet fever, lymphogranulomatosis, myeloid leukemia. Eosinophilic leukocytosis is the earliest sign of Loeffler's syndrome.
3. Basophilic leukocytosis. A rare hematological condition, the signs of which may reflect the development of myxedema, severe allergies, ulcerative colitis, chronic myelogenous leukemia.
4. Lymphocytic leukocytosis. It develops in acute and chronic infections - whooping cough, hepatitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, infectious mononucleosis. Prolonged lymphocytosis is often a sign of lymphocytic leukemia.
5. monocytic leukocytosis. It is rare, mainly with septic endocarditis, brucellosis and tuberculosis, malaria, leishmaniasis, typhus, ovarian cancer, breast cancer in women, with diffuse lesions of the connective tissue. Acute monocytosis is characteristic of infectious mononucleosis and convalescent agranulocytosis.

Causes of leukocytosis in a smear

Smear analysis in women and men should be carried out regularly, because it will show all the ongoing changes in the genital area, reflect the initial and advanced stages of many diseases. For women, taking a smear is a standard procedure for any visit to a gynecologist. It is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina or cervix. The detected leukocytes, the norm of which in a smear in women is 10-15 units in the vagina, 15-20 units - on the cervix - reflect various pathological conditions:

• endometritis;
• colpitis;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• vaginal dysbacteriosis;
• thrush;
• cervicitis;
• adnexitis;
• urethritis;
• symptoms of sexually transmitted infections;
• oncological diseases of the genital organs.

Sometimes leukocytes in a smear in women appear against the background of severe prolonged stress, while they disappear at the end of a difficult period, more precisely, their number returns to normal. But with chronic stress, even a drop in the level of leukocytes is possible, which reflects the depletion of local immune defenses - the last stage of the body's stress response. In any case, further research is needed, so a woman is recommended a series of tests, colposcopy, and sometimes a biopsy.

A swab from the urogenital tract in men can also contain a high number of leukocytes. This always reflects the development of an inflammatory process, the causative agent of which can be identified by conducting a wider examination. The inflammatory process in men can be covered by any organ of the genitourinary system - the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland, urethra. The immediate causes of a bad smear are urethritis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, epididymitis, orchiepididymitis. Very often, leukocytosis reflects the presence of STIs, which can be confirmed by other symptoms - pain, pathological discharge.

Symptoms of manifestation

Since this condition is not independent, but is always a consequence of the underlying pathology, the main clinical signs coincide with those of its immediate cause. Simply put, leukocytosis is only a laboratory indicator, which is more important for the doctor as a sign of trouble in the body and as a signal for an urgent further examination.

In acute bacterial infections, which most often provoke leukocytosis, the following components of the clinical picture may be present:

• an increase in body temperature to 37.5-39 degrees;
• feeling of weakness, fatigue, malaise;
• decrease in working capacity;
• aches in the joints;
• muscle pain;
• sore throat, aggravated by swallowing;
• cough, sore throat;
• hoarseness of voice;
• secretion of sputum from the lungs;
• ear pain;
• purulent processes of various localization, etc.

Leukocytosis is possible not only with bacterial, but also with viral infections, however, only at their very initial stage (further, viruses provoke a slight decrease in the number of leukocytes). If the pathology accompanies myocardial infarction, then it is accompanied by severe, acute pain behind the sternum and other characteristic signs of heart disease. One of the most serious diseases in which chronic leukocytosis is observed is blood cancer, or leukemia. Its symptoms should be suspected at an early stage in order to start treatment as early as possible. Especially pronounced and early signs of leukemia are inherent in childhood:

• prolonged malaise for no reason;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• fatigue, weakness;
• fainting and dizziness;
• subfebrile temperature;
• increased sweating at night;
• constant bruising, bruising;
• spontaneous bleeding from the nose;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• prolonged bleeding of tissues after a cut, injury;
• stomach ache;
• pain in the arms and legs;
• difficulty breathing.

You should consult a doctor if you have at least 2-3 of the above symptoms. The doctor will prescribe all the necessary tests, which may help prevent the transition of the disease to a severe stage. Despite the rarity of diagnosing leukemia, you cannot ignore a visit to the doctor!

Diagnostic methods

As already mentioned, leukocytosis is determined by conducting a general blood test. A similar diagnosis is made if the number of white blood cells is more than 10,000 in 1 μl (10 * 109 / l). The rate of leukocytes may vary depending on age, so leukocytosis may be recognized as such in different cases. Normal values ​​of leukocytes in children up to a year are 6-15 units, from one to two years - 5.5-13.5 units. etc., and indicator 4 - 9 units. more typical for adults, which should be taken into account when making a diagnosis. The norms of indicators in the leukocyte formula are as follows:

1. Segmented neutrophils - 47-72%.
2. Stab neutrophils - 4-6%.
3. Basophils - 0.1%.
4. Eosinophils - 0.5-5%.
5. Lymphocytes - 19-37%.
6. Monocytes - 3-11%.

If leukocytosis is detected in the blood, the doctor will prescribe a series of examinations and visits to narrow specialists. In addition to a detailed blood test with a leukoformula, a peripheral blood smear, biochemical analysis, tests for infections by ELISA and PCR methods, tests for allergens and immunoglobulins, if necessary, ultrasound of the internal organs, heart, X-ray of the lungs, and if oncology or other complex diseases are suspected - biopsy of the liver, spleen, puncture of the bone marrow, lymph nodes. Inflammatory pathologies in the body should be differentiated from more serious diseases and allergies, the treatment of which is carried out in a completely different way.

In addition to an increase in leukocytes in the blood and smears in men and women, leukocytosis can also be detected in the urine. If a person is healthy, then they are absent in the urine test or are present in a single amount. An increase in the level of white blood cells means the development of infectious processes in the kidneys, bladder or urethra, as well as in the genitals. To diagnose the exact cause of the pathology, urine culture is done for the presence of infection, as well as an analysis for sensitivity to antibiotics.

Treatment Methods

Medical treatment

It is possible to cure leukocytosis only by influencing the underlying pathology that provoked it. In infectious processes, antibacterial drugs are prescribed - cephalosporins, penicillins, macrolides. It is also necessary to treat an infectious disease, taking into account the symptomatic effect, local therapeutic measures - taking expectorants, sprays and tablets, nasal drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. Against allergies, a child or an adult is prescribed antihistamines, desensitizing agents, and in severe cases, corticosteroid hormones. Sometimes a person is given drugs to take to reduce uric acid in the body, which will prevent the destruction of body tissues and the progression of leukocytosis.

It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics or carry out other treatment without finding out the exact cause of the increase in leukocytes, especially when it is pronounced.

It may happen that such leukocytosis is a sign of leukemia, and its treatment differs sharply from all other therapy regimens. For cancerous blood diseases, chemotherapy drugs and blood irradiation are used, as well as special drugs - Leukeran, Filgrastim. Also, the patient may be recommended leukopheresis - the removal of excess white blood cells from the blood and the transfusion of purified blood back into the body. At the same time, the blood is distilled through a special apparatus, which helps to heal it and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

When the number of leukocytes in the blood is increased, it is always necessary to be treated under the supervision of a doctor, especially when it comes to a child. However, folk remedies can also improve health. Recipes for this purpose can be as follows:

1. Take in equal parts motherwort grass, horsetail grass, knotweed grass. All this raw material must be ground into a powder, stir well. You can add this powder by a teaspoon three times a day to any dishes, for example, to vegetable salads. If it is difficult to take the medicine in this way, then you can pour a teaspoon of powder with 100 ml of warm water, insist for half an hour, then drink before meals.
2. Collect bitter wormwood (grass), chop it well. Take three tablespoons of powder, pour 600 mg. boiling water, then insist this remedy for an hour. Take an infusion of 15 drops three times a day before meals.
3. Prepare dry raw materials from herbs and St. John's wort flowers. 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort should be brewed with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Divide the infusion into 3 parts, drink an hour before meals three times a day.
4. Take green beans, squeeze the juice out of them, drink it in the morning in a teaspoon on an empty stomach. This tool will help normalize the level of leukocytes with moderate, mild leukocytosis.
5. Mix pollen with an equal amount of honey, eat 2 teaspoons a day. This method is useful in detecting leukocytes in a smear in adults to increase the overall resistance of the body.
6. Brew lemon balm leaves in the amount of 200 grams in 500 ml of boiling water (we are talking about fresh leaves). Let Melissa brew for at least an hour, strain, take a tablespoon three times a day. The method is suitable for any infectious and inflammatory diseases.

It helps well with leukocytosis and the diseases that provoked it, homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines generally have a beneficial effect on the body, normalizing the processes occurring in it. But with a serious cause of the pathology, it is impossible to be treated only with homeopathy, but you can only combine it with the main therapy. However, only a specialist should choose homeopathy, especially when it comes to a child.

A diet with an increase in leukocytes in the blood should be applied without fail and be aimed at reducing the load on the body. You can reduce the calorie content of the diet by reducing the meat on the menu, as well as by completely eliminating fatty foods. Fish and seafood are well suited for nutrition - mussels, squids, which contain many vitamins g B, as well as amino acids that are urgently required by the body. Without fail, the patient's daily table should have greens - asparagus, spinach, celery. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, pumpkin, beans, dairy foods, and cheeses will also help relieve inflammation. Additionally, most patients are recommended to take vitamin-mineral complexes, adaptogens, immunostimulants in order to quickly improve the functioning of the body.

Features of treatment in pregnant women

During pregnancy, as already noted, leukocytes physiologically increase in the blood. This happens no earlier than the fifth month from the onset of gestation, therefore, when registering and several times during pregnancy, a woman donates blood to control the level of all blood parameters. If the number of white blood cells is not higher than 20 units, then this is considered normal (in the absence of any pathological symptoms). Otherwise, the doctor will recommend further examination to find the causes of this condition.

The most common cause of pathological leukocytosis in the blood or urine in pregnant women is SARS, kidney or bladder disease, allergies, exacerbated vaginal candidiasis, severe stress, and any other inflammatory process of a septic or aseptic nature. If the number of leukocytes in the urine rises rapidly, then the woman is hospitalized, as infections of the internal organs threaten with serious consequences for her and the child.

During pregnancy, leukocytes can also increase in a smear. You can not think that this is due to the bearing of the fetus and the change in hormonal levels. In a smear, the number of these cells should remain the same as before conception, therefore, the cause of the pathology is most often the activation of a chronic infectious process, which was in a latent state before pregnancy. All pathological conditions should be treated only under the supervision of a doctor, because inaction, like self-medication, can provoke a miscarriage or intrauterine infection of the fetus. A woman is recommended a healthy diet, a strict day and sleep regimen, outdoor walks, as well as special medications - antibiotics (penicillins or cephalosporins, depending on the severity of the infection), vitamins and other drugs that are not contraindicated during pregnancy.

What Not to Do

This condition involves the rejection of all types of heavy physical activity. You can not ignore taking a sick leave: going to work and nervous overload with leukocytosis will only aggravate the course of the disease that caused it. It is also forbidden not to get enough sleep, to be on your feet for a long time and without rest: this way the infectious pathology will progress even faster. It is worth giving up bad habits, at least until complete recovery, so as not to further weaken your immunity.

Preventive measures

To prevent an increase in leukocytes in the blood, you should maintain the level of your immunity at the proper level. Only a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, avoiding alcohol and smoking will be the key to preventing various inflammatory diseases. It is also necessary to eliminate all foci of chronic infection in the body - remove adenoids, sanitize teeth and tonsils, treat gynecological and urological diseases. During epidemics, you should protect yourself from contact with infected people, and also avoid hypothermia. If there is a tendency to allergies, contact with irritants that may be present both at home and in the environment should be avoided.