The Clinical Significance of Extreme Leukocytosis among Newborns: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Oryan Golomb, Irit Schushan-Eisen, Ayala Maayan-Metzger, Naama Elisha, Tzipora Strauss, Ram Mazkereth*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective ?The aim of the study is to examine the clinical significance of extreme leukocytosis (>40,000 cells/μL) at birth among neonates. Study Design ?Data were retrospectively collected on 208 infants with leukocytosis >40,000 cells/μL and on matched normal controls as determined in complete blood counts obtained on the first day of life. Results ?There were no significant group differences in birth weight, Apgar's score, timing of respiratory support, hospitalization in special care units or rehospitalization during the first month of life. All neonates with leukocytosis received antibiotics. The blood cultures of both groups were negative. A multivariate analysis showed that leukocytosis did not predict either the presence of symptoms associated with sepsis among neonates or hospitalization in a neonatal special care unit. Conclusion ?Extreme leukocytosis on the first day of life is a poor predictor of infection. Clinicians should decide upon treatment according to risk factors and symptoms but not according to the degree of leukocytosis. Key Points Extreme leukocytosis on the first day of life is a poor predictor of infection. Clinicians should decide upon treatment according to risk factors and symptoms. Leukocytosis was not predictive of a higher risk of morbidity in neonates.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E470-E476
JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology
Volume41
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 May 2024

Keywords

  • antibiotic treatment
  • blood culture
  • complete blood count
  • leukocytosis
  • neonatal sepsis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Clinical Significance of Extreme Leukocytosis among Newborns: A Retrospective Cohort Study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this