Differential Diagnosis for Elevated Neutrophils
Elevated neutrophils, also known as neutrophilia, can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here is a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of elevated neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in fighting bacterial infections. Conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections can all cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute stress reaction: Stress, whether physical or emotional, can cause an increase in neutrophil count. This is often seen in patients who have experienced trauma, surgery, or severe illness.
- Inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Medication effect: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and lithium, can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled. Elevated neutrophils can be an early sign of sepsis, and prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a surgical emergency that can cause an increase in neutrophil count. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications, including perforation and peritonitis.
- Neutrophilic leukemia: Although rare, neutrophilic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that can cause an increase in neutrophil count. Early recognition and treatment are essential to improve outcomes.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms: These are a group of rare blood disorders that can cause an increase in neutrophil count. Examples include polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia.
- Chronic neutrophilic leukemia: This is a rare type of blood cancer that can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Aspirin-induced neutrophilia: This is a rare condition that occurs in some individuals who take aspirin, leading to an increase in neutrophil count.