Differential Diagnosis for WBC Parameters in Pediatric Age Group
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Neutrophilic Leukocytosis: This is the most common WBC parameter abnormality in pediatric patients with bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis. An elevated neutrophil count is a strong indicator of a bacterial infection.
- Lymphocytic Leukocytosis: This is often seen in viral infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, or infectious mononucleosis. An elevated lymphocyte count is a strong indicator of a viral infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Monocytosis: This can be seen in infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, or rickettsial diseases. An elevated monocyte count can also be seen in non-infectious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Eosinophilia: This is often seen in parasitic infections, such as giardiasis, ascariasis, or hookworm infestation. An elevated eosinophil count can also be seen in allergic diseases such as asthma or atopic dermatitis.
- Basophilia: This is rarely seen in infections, but can be seen in conditions such as chronic myeloid leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Severe Neutropenia: This can be seen in severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis or meningitis, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Agranulocytosis: This is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by a severe decrease in neutrophil count, often seen in patients taking certain medications such as chemotherapy or antibiotics.
- Leukemoid Reaction: This is a rare condition characterized by a marked increase in WBC count, often seen in severe infections, inflammation, or trauma.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease: This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, often seen in patients with a history of recurrent infections.
- Hyper-IgE Syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent cutaneous and pulmonary infections, often seen in patients with a history of recurrent infections and elevated IgE levels.
- Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency: This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, often seen in patients with a history of recurrent infections and impaired leukocyte adhesion.