The phenomenon associated with pathological changes in the blood and blood-forming organs (bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes), similar to the symptoms of tumors of the hematopoietic system, is called the leukemoid reaction. In some cases, immature cell elements enter the bloodstream, in others - the production of blood cells is increased, in the third - the yield of blood cells is limited.
Classification of leukemoid reactions
Forms of leukemoid reactions of blood are associated with the causes of their occurrence. There are the following main types of neutrophilic leukemoid reactions:
- The leukemoid reaction is eosinophilic. It is associated with allergic processes in the body. Common causes of development are helminthic invasions, medicinal dermatitis, reaction to the introduction of antibiotic drugs. In this case, a significant number of eosinophils are found in the patient's blood.
- Leukemoid reaction of the myeloid type. It recalls chronic myelogenous leukemia. Changes in blood are observed with metastases of cancer cells in the bone, and can also be associated with severe infectious diseases, various intoxications of the body. In addition, the reaction may occur when taking antitumor drugs.
- Leukemoid reaction of lymphocyte type. It develops with infectious mononucleosis , cancers, tuberculosis, some viral infections and autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid polyarthritis).
Diagnosis of leukemoid reactions
The following diagnostic methods are used to determine the leukemoid reaction:
- study of the clinical picture of the disease;
- laboratory examination of blood smears;
- biopsy.
Therapy of leukemoid reactions
Specific methods of treatment of leukemoid reactions do not exist. Pathological changes on the part of the hematopoietic system decrease or disappear after a complete therapy of the underlying disease, as a result of which they arose. So, if helminthic invasion has been confirmed, anthelmintic drugs are prescribed, in case of infectious diseases antibiotic therapy is performed, etc.
Exceptions are certain types of leukemoid reactions, when, despite the treatment, there are no improvements in the clinical picture of the disease. In this case, the complex of therapy is supplemented by the reception of symptomatic, anti-allergic and some hormonal agents.