From the Research
Introduction to Elevated White Blood Cell Counts
Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, also known as leukocytosis, can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammatory processes, and primary bone marrow disorders 1.
Conditions Associated with Elevated WBC Counts
Infections and Inflammatory Processes
Infections and inflammatory processes are the most common causes of elevated WBC counts 1. Physical stress, such as seizures, anesthesia, or overexertion, and emotional stress can also lead to an increase in WBC counts 1.
Primary Bone Marrow Disorders
Primary bone marrow disorders, such as acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and myeloproliferative disorders, can cause extremely elevated WBC counts 1. These conditions can be suspected in patients with concurrent abnormalities in red blood cell or platelet counts, weight loss, bleeding or bruising, liver, spleen or lymph node enlargement, and immunosuppression 1.
Other Conditions
Elevated WBC counts can also be associated with other conditions, such as pneumococcal pneumonia 2, and can be a predictor of long-term survival in the elderly 3. Additionally, a pro-inflammatory diet, as measured by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), can be associated with elevated WBC counts 4.
Medications
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium, and beta agonists, can also cause elevated WBC counts 1.
Treatment and Management
The treatment and management of elevated WBC counts depend on the underlying cause. In cases of infection or inflammation, treatment of the underlying condition is necessary. In cases of primary bone marrow disorders, treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplantation.
Differentials and Caveats
It is essential to consider other potential causes of elevated WBC counts, such as physical or emotional stress, and to rule out other conditions that may be causing the elevation. Additionally, certain medications or dietary factors may be contributing to the elevated WBC count.
Conclusion
Elevated WBC counts can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammatory processes, primary bone marrow disorders, and other factors. It is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the elevation to provide appropriate treatment and management. A comprehensive approach, including physical examination, laboratory tests, and medical history, is necessary to diagnose and manage elevated WBC counts effectively 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.