"Can Neutrophil Counts Increase in Leukemia?"

Neutrophils in Leukemia

Neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, are associated with cellular classification. Not all cases of leukemia exhibit an increase in neutrophils; in fact, the majority of leukemia patients have decreased or normal levels of neutrophils. Only a minority of acute leukemia patients experience a significant elevation in neutrophils. The reasons for elevated neutrophils in leukemia patients encompass infections, tissue damage, drug effects, among others.

1. Infections

Certain bacterial infections, such as those caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus, can elevate neutrophil levels in patients. The degree of neutrophilia positively correlates with the severity of infection, often accompanied by a left shift in nuclear morphology, indicating a bacterial etiology.

2. Tissue Damage

Physical injuries, including post-operative bleeding and fractures, can stimulate the immune system to produce abundant neutrophils to protect human tissues and cells.

3. Drug Effects

Glucocorticoids, for instance, promote bone marrow proliferation, leading to an increase in neutrophils. Moreover, long-term use of chemotherapeutic drugs during cancer treatment can also stimulate bone marrow proliferation, resulting in neutrophilia.

4. Others

During radiation therapy, radiation may damage the immune system, causing an increase in white blood cells, including neutrophils. Additionally, a small proportion of leukemia patients may experience neutropenia during the course of the disease or after remission. Temporary neutropenia can be monitored, while persistent or permanent neutropenia necessitates further investigation through blood tests.