From the Research
Significance of Worsening Leukocytosis
- Worsening leukocytosis in a sepsis patient on antibiotics can be an indicator of a poor prognosis, as it may suggest that the infection is not being adequately controlled by the antibiotics 1.
- Leukocytosis, defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count of ≥ 100,000/µL, can be a sign of a severe infection, and its persistence or worsening despite antibiotic treatment can indicate a high risk of complications, such as septic shock or organ failure 2.
- In patients with sepsis, leukocytosis can be a marker of the body's inflammatory response, and its severity can correlate with the severity of the infection 3.
- However, it is also important to note that leukocytosis can be caused by other factors, such as tissue damage or other non-infectious conditions, and therefore, its presence alone is not always a reliable indicator of infection 3, 4.
Clinical Implications
- The presence of worsening leukocytosis in a sepsis patient on antibiotics should prompt a re-evaluation of the patient's treatment plan, including the possibility of changing or broadening the antibiotic coverage 5, 4.
- Clinicians should also consider other potential causes of leukocytosis, such as tissue damage or other non-infectious conditions, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly 3, 4.
- The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics should be carefully considered, as it can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms and other complications, such as Clostridium difficile enteritis 3.