Leukocytosis in newborns

Leukocytosis in newborns is a multivariate indicator. The term "leukocytosis" is considered a sign of an inflammatory process, when the number of protective white blood cells increases. However, in children under one year of age, the cellular composition of the blood changes literally every day and even hour, the norms for infants are specific, so leukocytosis in newborns is not always a symptom or diagnosis of a disease. Rather, it is a reaction of the developing immune system to external and internal factors associated with the baby's growth. In other words, leukocytosis in newborns is a specific metabolic function that can be considered a normal phenomenon. If the newborn is healthy, the leukocyte count should return to normal within the first few weeks of his life.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of leukocytosis in newborns is not a very precise concept. Rather, we should talk about the epidemiology of the underlying cause that provoked an increase in leukocytes and a change in the leukocyte formula in principle. Leukocytosis is not a diagnosis or an independent nosology, it is a condition, a criterion that helps to promptly identify or exclude pathologies of various natures. Statistically, leukocytosis in newborns is recorded as often as in adult patients. But, unlike the indicators of older people, leukocyte shifts in the blood formula of babies return to normal faster. This can be explained by the fact that the body of newborns is actively developing and adapting to new conditions, and all physiological causes can be considered transient.

White Blood Cells (leukocytes) are essentially a huge group of colorless blood cells, almost all of which belong to the cells of the immune system.

Let's take a closer look at several options, since leukocytes themselves are divided into different groups, subtypes - granulocytes and agranulocytes:

• basophils (granular immature cells),
• MON (monocytes) – the largest cells, agranulocytes, with a large, non-segmented nucleus,
• lymphocytes, which are also part of the immune system, they are classified as non-granular leukocytes (agranulocytes)
• granulocyte cells - neutrophils,
• active granulocytes, the body's defenders against allergens - eosinophils,

Each type of leukocyte functions as a specific response to a specific pathological cause. Therefore, the epidemiology of leukocytosis as a process that designates patterns should be considered from the point of view of studying the cause and prevalence of factors that cause a change in the ratio of types of colorless blood cells (leukocyte formula or leukogram).

1. The most common causes are those that provoke a neutrophilic shift or neutrophilic absolute leukocytosis. Neutrophilia is characterized by active and rapid growth of granulocytes, which can be detected not only in a blood test, but also in urine. As a rule, a neutrophilic shift is provoked by a disease. If necessary, the epidemiology of the underlying cause is determined by the attending physician.
2. Lymphocytosis is the second most common. Such a change in the leukogram is characteristic of inflammation in chronic or acute form. In children, diseases from the category of intrauterine infections (IUI) are most common, or it may be whooping cough.
3. Eosinophilia in newborns is determined quite rarely and can be caused by pulmonary pathologies, allergies, drug intoxication, and, extremely rarely, myeloid leukemia.
4. Monocytic leukocytosis is typical for septic lesions of organs and tissues. Leukocytosis in newborns of this form is extremely rare.
5. The rarest cases in the statistical indicators of adults are basophilia. However, a shift in the leukogram towards an increase in basophils is characteristic of physiological variants of leukocytosis and is noted during pregnancy and quite often in newborn babies.

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Causes leukocytosis in a newborn baby

The causes of leukocytosis in newborns may be due to physiological changes in the body, but may also be associated with a developing disease. Let's take a closer look at the causes of increased leukocyte levels in newborns.

Leukocytes are blood cells, "defenders" that instantly recognize harmful substances and react quickly, trying to remove them. Therefore, in ICD 10 you will not find the disease - leukocytosis, since this is a way of reacting or a diagnostic criterion. In newborns, the level of white, or more precisely, colorless protective blood cells can fluctuate during the day. In this way, the baby's immune system reacts to any changes in the body - both physiological and pathological.

1. A short-term increase in the level of leukocytes (physiological granulocytosis of the newborn) can be caused by the following reasons:
   • Physiological adaptation of the baby to the temperature conditions in the room (most often this is how the baby reacts to the cold).
   • The baby cries and screams for a long time (muscle tension, stress).
   • An increase in leukocytes in the blood of a newborn may be associated with nutrition, feeding, especially in the first three days after birth. Repeated blood sampling in such cases usually records the return of the norm for all indicators.
   • Features of the maturation and formation of the infant's immune system, this is typical for the period of introducing complementary foods, when the baby receives fewer antibodies from breast milk.
   • An elevated level of leukocytes is typical for those babies who are born prematurely. Within a few days after birth, such indicators are not critical and should return to normal in 3-5 days.
2. Pathological causes of leukocytosis in newborns are usually caused by a group of viral, infectious diseases:
   • Different types of bronchitis.
   • Pneumonia.
   • Renal failure.
   • Otitis.
   • Intoxication.
   • Massive blood loss.
   • Childbirth-related injuries.
   • Diseases of fungal etiology.
   • Viral infection.
   • A purulent process developing in the baby's organs.
   • Meningitis.
   • Malignant tumor pathologies.

In the first weeks after birth, the baby's blood composition indicators are considered dynamically, if there are no other health-threatening and life-threatening symptoms. The causes of leukocytosis in newborns are most often explained by a group of physiological factors and can be considered a normal age-related phenomenon.

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Risk factors

Despite the fact that leukocytosis in newborns in most cases is a transient physiological phenomenon, there are risk factors that can cause pathologies.

Let us list the risk factors for leukocytosis in newborns:

• Genetic factor, chromosomal abnormalities (aberrations) – Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia.
• Unfavorable radiation levels in the area where the child is born.
• Hypothermia of the baby.
• Premature birth (before 36 weeks).
• Chronic maternal diseases - both viral and bacteriological etiology.
• IUI - intrauterine infections (TORCH infections), DNA and RNA viruses.
• Asphyxia during passage through the birth canal.
• Hypoxia, perinatal cerebral disorders.
• Intrauterine growth retardation (perinatal hypotrophy).
• Congenital endocrine pathologies.
• Congenital nephrotic syndrome.
• NDS (respiratory distress syndrome).
• Immunodeficiency.
• Urogenital diseases of the mother during pregnancy.
• Streptococcal infection in mother.
• Polyhydramnios or, conversely, insufficient amount of amniotic fluid.

The most dangerous risk factors are those associated with infection of a woman during pregnancy. This disease develops slowly, is often hidden, is difficult to diagnose and is most often the main cause of intrauterine damage to the fetus.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of leukocytosis is explained by active work, the release of mature leukocytes in response to an aggressive factor of inflammatory or other nature. White blood cells are produced in the spleen and in the main organ of hematopoiesis - the bone marrow. Short-term leukocytosis is transient and performs a redistributive function.

If the cause disappears, the body no longer needs additional leukocyte protection and the blood test returns to normal. Any type of leukocyte is very active, the bodies are able to penetrate through capillaries into tissues to capture and utilize harmful substances. Such phagocytosis in inflammatory processes can be quite an aggressive process, and in the analysis show a significant excess of normal numbers. Leukocytosis is usually considered in dynamics, especially indicative analysis in the final stage of inflammation, when leukocytes are massively utilized, die, their level, as a rule, decreases.

Let us consider in more detail the pathogenesis of leukocytosis, including leukocytosis in newborns.

The increase in the level of leukocytes can be relative (there is a variant of the name - physiological) or absolute.

1. Absolute - reactive leucopoesis (leukogenesis) or leukopoiesis associated with a tumor in the bone marrow, spleen
2. Relative - an increase in the level of colorless bodies as a result of redistribution or as a result of accumulation in the area of the inflammatory process (the indicators of monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils may be increased)

Pathogenetically, leukocytosis is also divided into the following types:

1. Tumor hyperplasia of the tissues of hematopoietic organs or a reactive response to a vascular catastrophe - infarction of the lungs, kidneys, heart, spleen
2. Vulnerability of the bone marrow barrier and its permeability due to septic diseases (leukocytes quickly and easily penetrate into the bloodstream)
3. Increased mobilization of redistributive leukocytes as a protective response to a physiologically negative factor, emotional stress, and also during focal inflammation

Thus, the pathogenesis of leukocytosis is most often caused by protective mechanisms - activation of the function of leukocytes. Given the diversity of types of colorless blood cells, the pathogenesis is also variable:

• Monocytosis – increased activity of phagocytes
• Neutrophil protection – activation of phagocytosis during infections, chronic inflammations
• Eosinophilic variant of leukocytosis – protection from aggression of allergens, compensatory antihistamine action

It should also be noted that in autoimmune pathologies, leukemia, the protective function of leukocytes decreases due to hyperactivity of the immune system.

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Symptoms leukocytosis in a newborn baby

Symptoms of neonatal leukocytosis do not appear in 99% of cases. As a rule, there are only indirect signs of an increase in leukocytes in the baby's blood. In adults, the symptoms are more pronounced and can be expressed in the following signals from the body:

• constant fatigue.
• weakness and subfebrile body temperature.
• skin rashes.
• periodic nosebleeds.
• increased sweating.
• fainting.
• hair loss or slow growth.
• movement coordination disorder.
• deterioration of visual acuity.
• dyspnea.
• sleep disorders.
• periodic muscle pain without cause.
• weight loss with a normal diet.

Let us remember that leukocytosis in newborns can be caused by two categories of factors:

1. physiological.
2. pathological:
   • Physiological leukocytosis associated with malnutrition is manifested by the baby crying and screaming. More precisely, it is the intense crying of the baby that can provoke an increase in leukocytes in the blood; in adults, this condition occurs after heavy physical labor, overexertion. No less acutely, the newborn reacts to the temperature regime; when overcooled, the baby becomes lethargic and inactive. These are symptoms that are caused by purely physiological reasons. They cannot be considered life-threatening for the baby, since they are easily eliminated.
   • Symptoms of pathological leukocytosis in newborns are most often typical for the clinical picture of the disease, which can be provoked by a shift in the leukocyte formula. Such conditions of newborns are observed in the case of their premature birth or if the child's mother has already suffered from an infectious disease during pregnancy. Infections affecting the baby's gastrointestinal tract manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea, increased gas formation, colic. Septic damage to tissues or organs is accompanied by an increase in temperature. Viral diseases also clinically manifest themselves in characteristic signs - fever, mucous discharge from the eyes, nose, skin rashes are visible. Such cases are considered dangerous for a newborn, and doctors take all measures to stabilize the baby's condition. Timely and competent treatment eliminates the root cause of pathological leukocytosis, and accordingly, the leukogram also returns to normal values. In newborns, this occurs within 3-5 days, if the blood test does not improve, the doctor looks for a more serious cause of the leukocyte shift. The main task in this case is to exclude a life-threatening cause for the baby, such a pathology may be congenital leukemia in acute form.

First signs

The first signs of leukocytosis in newborns are usually unnoticeable. If the baby was born without obvious symptoms of the disease, any pathologies, a blood test is taken as a standard preventive procedure. Let us recall that leukocytosis is not considered a life-threatening indicator, disease or diagnosis, it is a sign of all sorts of deviations in the functioning of human systems and organs. Therefore, the first signs that worry the child, which are noticed by the child's mother or obstetrician, can be attributed to a disease already developing in one form or another. The number of leukocyte cells can be increased for various reasons. The most common of them are the following:

• Physical activity of the newborn, hyperactivity, which causes muscle strain and, as a consequence, changes in the leukogram.
• Overeating or nutritional deficiencies. The baby's body may react primarily in a protective way - by increasing the white blood cell count.
• A sharp change in temperature. Newborns are very sensitive to this factor, the reaction to cold or overheating can be expressed in a change in the number of leukocytes.
• Prolonged crying, which in turn is most often caused by the above reasons. When crying, the baby tenses up, the activation of muscle tissue leads to a change in the norm of leukocytes in the blood.
• Reaction to the first vaccinations, which are given within 3-7 days after birth.

It should be noted that the level of colorless blood cells should be monitored at an older age of the child. This helps to identify diseases and serious pathologies in a timely manner. OAK (complete blood count) is a fairly simple procedure that allows you to determine various inflammatory, infectious processes at the formation stage, and most importantly - blood diseases.

What should attract the attention of caring parents, what could be the first signs of leukocytosis?

• The child becomes lethargic and often gets tired without any objective reason.
• The baby may have bruises that are not caused by bumps or falls.
• The appetite decreases, the baby refuses even his favorite foods.
• Body weight gradually decreases (or is not gained in accordance with age and height).
• The baby sweats excessively even without physical activity.
• There may be complaints of headache and discomfort in the abdominal area.

The first signs of this kind are not a reason to panic, but you should pay attention to them and consult a doctor (a pediatrician or obstetrician if the child is under one and a half years old).

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Stages

The stages of leukocytosis in newborns are usually not recorded. We can talk about various mechanisms that provoke a leukocyte shift in the blood test, as well as about the features of the factors that affect the level of increase in leukocytes.

Let us remember that leukocytosis is a deviation of the number of white blood cells from a fixed age norm.

The mechanisms of changes in the leukogram may be as follows:

1. Serious pathological processes, including oncological diseases. Panmyelosis (panmyelosis) - growth of blast elements of bone marrow, proliferation, which includes an increase in leukocytes in the blood.
2. Hyperactive, accelerated formation of leukocytes due to inflammatory processes, when all organs and systems, including the pituitary-renal gland, work in an intensive mode.
3. In vascular catastrophes, all organs and tissues (blood depots) that are capable of accumulating and releasing leukocytes work in a more intensive mode, compensating for the negative state in cardiovascular diseases. In children, this may be a congenital heart defect.

It is more correct and competent to describe the stages of leukocytosis as types. They are as follows:

• Short-term, transient leukocytosis, which in newborns is most often provoked by emotional stress or a change in temperature. The leukocyte index quickly returns to normal when the psychoemotional state is restored and a comfortable ambient temperature returns. Also, a short-term shift in the leukogram can be caused by an infectious disease in an acute form, purulent inflammation, sepsis. As soon as the disease is stopped, transferred to the recovery stage, the level of leukocytes begins to strive for normal values.
• Physiological factors of leukocytosis are food, myogenic (physical overexertion) causes. This type can also be safely attributed to transient leukocytosis.
• The eosinophilic variant of increased leukocytes is most often provoked by an allergic aggressive reaction to drugs or vaccination. Newborns are given a vaccination against serum hepatitis in the first hours after birth, and a vaccination against tuberculosis (BCG) is administered a little later. The baby's body can tolerate the first vaccinations with some transient complications, which are manifested in an increase in the level of eosinophils.
• A shift in the leukocyte formula towards an increase in neutrophils may indicate an inflammatory process or more serious hematological diseases.
• Acute infectious diseases in a child can provoke lymphocytic leukocytosis.
• A basophilic shift in a baby's leukogram can be caused by an allergic reaction, a lack of microelements (most often iron), and, very rarely, blood diseases.
• Monocytes in newborns perform a kind of "cleansing" function from pathogenic substances that the baby should not have. Monocytosis - an increase in the MON level in an infant is most often relative, that is, temporary. Absolute Monocytosis is already a sign of intense phagocytosis, a signal of active protection and the desire to remove the infectious agent. It should be noted that leukocytosis in newborns in this form is very rare.

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Forms

Types of leukocytosis in newborns have been studied quite well. Before we move on to their description, let's consider the main functions of leukocytes and the varieties of colorless blood cells themselves.

The main task of leukocytes is to protect and instantly respond to everything that happens in the human body, this is especially important for the organs and systems of a newborn baby.

Despite the diversity of colorless bodies, their "work" is very organized. Each type rushes precisely to the location of the lesion, quickly identifies the necessary or foreign elements, stops and removes harmful substances. If alarming changes occur in the body, the level of white blood cells increases, most often in the peripheral bloodstream, which is actually called leukocytosis.

Types of leukocytes are subject to a kind of hierarchy, some of them are more dominant, while others play the role of “performers”.

The tasks that leukocytes solve in the human body are as follows:

• Direct participation in all protective functions, in the formation of the immune system at the humoral and cellular levels.
• Metabolic function. Penetration into the GIT (gastrointestinal tract), participation in the transportation of essential nutrients into the bloodstream. This is very important for babies who receive mother's milk. In this way, the newborn receives protective immunoglobulins.
• Leukocytes carry out lysis (dissolution) of destroyed elements and take part in the histolysis of damaged tissues.
• Some types of leukocytes perform a morphogenetic task, helping to form organs and systems at the stage of embryonic development.

Briefly about the types of white blood cells:

1. White Blood Cells - the general name for leukocytes (WBC).
2. NEU – the main defenders of the body from bacterial infection – neutrophils.
3. MON (MO) – monocytes.
4. EOS or eosinophils.
5. LYM – the main cells that “fight” viral or bacterial infections, lymphocytes.
6. BAS - young, immature lymphocytes or basophils.

According to the functions of the leukocyte subtypes, an increased number of white blood cells as a diagnostic sign is also divided into the following types:

1. Physiological or redistributive. The increased number of white blood cells is distributed in an organized manner throughout the vascular system between organs
2. Reactive (absolute) indicates a serious change in leukopoiesis, that is, it is considered a sign of an active reaction to a pathology of infectious, inflammatory, allergic etiology

Thus, types of leukocytosis can be considered either transient signs of a normal physiological process or indicate the presence of a disease.

Leukocytosis in newborns during the first 2-3 days after birth in most cases is not a threatening symptom and is recorded as temporary, physiological. With the redistributive type, no significant change is noted in the leukogram, the total number of white cells does not exceed the norm, only the level of individual types of leukocytes changes. The absolute type of leukocytosis is also a common occurrence in the blood test of newborn babies, this is explained by the following reasons:

• Reaction to the first two vaccinations
• Hypothermia.
• Food factor.
• Muscle tension when screaming.
• Rarely - as a reaction to a congenital pathology, or a disease of viral, infectious etiology, acquired in the first hours after birth.

In adults, relative leukocytosis is determined extremely rarely on a planned basis, more often - randomly. It is usually associated with overexertion, including emotional. An absolute, symptomatic shift in the leukocyte index is already recorded as an alarm signal, and indicates the presence of primary clinical signs of the disease. Such a condition requires contacting a doctor, prescribing complex diagnostic measures and adequate treatment.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences and complications of leukocytosis may be related to the underlying cause of the increase in white blood cells, i.e., the etiologic factor. In 85-90% of cases, the consequences and complications of leukocytosis in newborns are not recorded. It should be remembered that an elevated level of one or another type of leukocyte is not a diagnosis or a disease, but a sign.

If the baby's leukogram does not show the norm in dynamics, then the doctor prescribes additional examination to find out the exact cause of the shift in the leukocyte formula, to promptly identify and clarify the disease. The consequences of the diagnosed pathology depend on the form, course of the process and the prescribed treatment.

Some of the most serious complications can be considered the consequences of an inflammatory, septic, infectious process, massive blood loss or pathologies associated with intrauterine infection. Also, negative consequences are fraught with blood diseases, hemolytic syndrome, leukemia (in newborns such cases are extremely rare), leukemia, congenital heart disease, cerebral ischemia, hydrocephalus.

List of complications and consequences of leukocytosis associated with serious pathological processes:

• Ischemic vascular diseases – frequent headaches, poor sleep, delayed mental, physical and cognitive development.
• Hydrocephalus – delayed development of mental abilities, myalgia, delayed development of psychomotor skills, disability.
• Defect of one of the heart valves (CHD) – endocarditis of bacterial etiology, frequent acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory diseases, pneumonia, shortness of breath, delayed physical development.

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Diagnostics leukocytosis in a newborn baby

Leukocytosis in newborns can be diagnosed on the first day of birth. The initial blood sampling occurs immediately after birth within 24 hours. It is performed to determine the baby's ability to adapt and to exclude serious pathologies acquired in utero. Blood is taken from the umbilical cord, the analytical material is checked for the presence or absence of various infections - hepatitis, venereal diseases that could have passed into the baby's body from an infected mother. A repeat analysis, the so-called heel test, is prescribed on the 3rd or 4th day, it is designed to exclude genetic pathologies. Neonatal screening, OAC (general clinical blood test) of a newborn is indicated for everyone without exception, blood is taken from the baby's heel. Leukocytosis diagnostics in newborns can be delayed and moved to the seventh day for underweight infants or in case of premature birth (premature babies).

The structure of the blood of a newborn is specific and differs from the analyzes of older children (from one year and above). Even the percentage ratio of blood and body weight is incomparable with the indicators of adults. As soon as a child is born, the amount of his blood is about 14% of the weight, then this figure decreases to 11%, later to 7-6%. All systems and organs of the child enter a complex adaptation period and actively develop, the blood does not stand still, it is a mobile substance. This causes a change in blood indicators and is taken into account in the diagnostic sense. The most actively formed and subject to changes are blood cells included in the list of types of leukocytes. Analysis, diagnostics of leukocytosis in newborns is needed to identify or exclude life-threatening diseases. The normal range for babies is quite wide, with time and growth of the child they narrow. Leukocytosis in newborns is most often not considered a deviation from normal boundaries and is recorded as physiological. Immediately after birth, a baby may have a level of 10–33 ×10 ⁹ /l, with neutrophils predominating in the blood (up to 75-80%) as segmented cells that help form the immune system. Later, a leukogram may show numbers of 6-7 × 109/l.

Approximate ratio of types of leukocytes in the blood of a newborn:

• The largest group is neutrophils, up to 80%
• Lymphocytes – up to 25%
• Monocytes - up to 10%
• Eosinophils – up to 3-4%

Note that on the first day of birth, the baby's lymphocytes are activated, suppressing the number of neutrophils, but later, around the fourth day, the leukocyte formula changes, the level of colorless protective cells levels out. In the diagnostic dictionary, this phenomenon is defined as a cross.
Here is another list of age-related indicators of leukocytes in the human bloodstream:

• Newborns – 10-27 - 33×10 ⁹ /l.
• From birth to 1 month – 7-8-13×10 ⁹ /l.
• From 1 year to 3 years – 6.0 - 17.0×10 ⁹ /l (according to other sources, the norm is 5-12×10 ⁹ /l).
• From 3 to 6 years – 5-10×10 ⁹ /l.
• Children of school age up to 16 years – 5-9×10 ⁹ /l.
• Adults – 4-9×10 ⁹ /l.

Diagnostics of leukocytosis in newborns is carried out routinely, within the framework of the schedule of blood sampling for preventive purposes. Decoding and interpretation of indicators is the prerogative of the doctor, most often leukocytosis in infants is defined as a physiological norm.

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Tests

The tests that are indicated for newborn babies are, in fact, mandatory screening of their health, an integral part of the standard examination, preventive diagnostic measures for the timely detection or exclusion of all kinds of diseases. With early diagnosis, almost all diseases can be successfully treated, and the risk of complications is reduced to a minimum.

The first analysis is obtained literally immediately after birth, when material is taken from the umbilical cord to determine the newborn's blood type. The analysis taken from the baby's foot (heel) is carried out on the third or fourth day of stay in the maternity hospital to exclude hereditary pathologies (neonatal diagnostics). Blood material taken from the heel can also show changes in the baby's health, hemoglobin level, ESR (the ratio of protein fractions or erythrocyte sedimentation rate), distribution of white blood cells, including leukocytosis.

As a rule, such diagnostic measures help to track and neutralize various inflammatory, infectious diseases, diseases of bacterial etiology in a timely manner, to see how successfully the baby's body adapts to new conditions of life outside the womb. In addition, a newborn's blood test shows how the baby can tolerate the first vaccinations prescribed by the protocols (BCG, against hepatitis B). A repeated check, taking a capillary sample determines the body's reaction to the introduced weakened vaccination strain. The analysis is taken on an empty stomach, since feeding the baby can distort the clinical picture and the detected leukocytosis will be associated with a food factor. Additional diagnostic examination is prescribed according to indications, in cases of suspected serious pathology or when leukocytosis is of a reactive type. The list of measures includes urine analysis, X-ray, blood biochemistry, ultrasound examination of the organs, and very rarely - biopsy, puncture of bone marrow material.

Usually, a repeat analysis reveals results within the normal range, the baby's leukocyte counts quickly return to the designated standards, and the happy mother can be discharged home on the 5th-6th day after birth. All information that was determined in the baby's tests is recorded in the medical report and entered into the baby's personal medical card.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics involves determining the norm or pathology using special equipment, while leukocytosis is detected in a different way - by taking blood. In the context of this article, when we consider an increase in the level of leukocytes in newborns, blood is taken with a sterile disposable scarifier, most often from the foot, heel of the baby. Hardware diagnostics can be prescribed as an addition when the primary OAC (general clinical blood test) showed significant and persistent deviations from normal limits.

A little more detail about what a complete blood count reveals and what instrumental diagnostics can reveal.

1. Mandatory neonatal blood testing (or heel prick test) is necessary to determine genetic diseases, congenital pathologies - adrenal cortex hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, dysfunction of the pancreas, liver, cystic fibrosis and others.
2. Taking blood from the umbilical cord to determine the white blood cell count in order to identify or rule out hepatitis B and sexually transmitted diseases that the mother could have transmitted to the child in utero.
3. Instrumental diagnostics in the form of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for the purpose of further examination of babies with birth injuries, suspected central nervous system diseases, malformations of the brain, hydrocephalus, diseases of the lungs, abdominal cavity, and skeletal system.
4. Echocardiography as an instrumental diagnostic method is indicated when there is a suspicion of a heart disorder, CHD - congenital heart defect.
5. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs if there are signs of deformation or insufficient development of the corresponding vital organs.

In most cases, instrumental diagnostics are not used to diagnose the health of an infant. For a complete preventive examination of a newborn, a simple visual examination, comparison of anatomical and physiological data with age norms, a general clinical blood test and monitoring the child's development over time are sufficient for the doctor.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics of leukocytosis helps to clarify the underlying cause of the leukogram change. A blood test is not considered a direct indicator of the diagnosis, just as an increase in the level of leukocytes cannot be considered a specific symptom of a particular disease. This is especially important in the differential diagnostics of the health of newborns, whose formula and blood composition can change literally every minute. The organs and systems of the baby go through a difficult adaptation stage after birth and work in a non-standard mode, which cannot but affect the blood counts.

Differentiation of analytical information requires specification, comparison of the number of types of leukocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils), anamnesis, and other information about the baby. Also, an important role in differential diagnostics is played by the practical experience of the obstetrician, his ability to see the overall clinical picture and isolate the main parameters that can threaten the health of the child.

Let us recall the basic concepts of leukocytes and leukocytosis.

Leukocytosis is the name given to the activation of leukopoiesis (the process of hematopoiesis), when the indices of certain subtypes of white blood cells deviate from the specified norms. There is a conditional distinction indicating the boundary between physiologically explainable disorders and pathology - leukocytosis and hyperleukocytosis.

• Hyperleukocytosis. An increase in the level of leukocytes in an adult is 40,000-50,000 in 1 mm ³
• Leukocytosis. With physiological types of changes in the leukogram in adults, the level of leukocytes can be 8000-9000 in 1 mm ³

Differential diagnostics of leukocytosis in newborns is determined by the difference in the functioning of types of leukocytes. For example, increased lymphocytes most likely indicate the presence of a particular virus in the body, and an increase in the level of neutrophils - about the introduction of bacteria, reactive leukocytosis in the form of a large number of leukocytes is an infectious disease. However, in the case of a newborn, this information requires clarification, specification, taking into account the specifics of the blood norms of infants.

Let's take a closer look at the most typical signs and leukogram indicators that may correspond to certain diseases:

1. Increased lymphocytes, the level of which significantly exceeds the norm, together with a decrease in neutrophil protection, may indicate a viral disease in an acute form. At the same time, the number of monocytes remains almost unchanged. Also, such indicators that do not change over time are one of the signals of an intracellular parasitic infection (for example, mycoplasmosis).
2. The tendency towards the upper limit of the norm on the part of monocytes and LYM (lymphocytes), and towards the lower limit on the part of neutrophils may be a sign of a chronic protracted process or intrauterine infections (IUI).
3. A significant excess of the normal level of neutrophils and monocytes and simultaneous suppression of lymphocytes is a sign of a purulent bacterial process, especially if such indicators are combined with the release of mucus from the nose, eyes, and cough.
4. Elevated neutrophil levels against the background of decreased lymphocyte function, but not tending to extreme limits, may indicate a chronic bacterial infection (for example, a local bacterial disease of the nasal sinuses).

In any case, differential diagnostics of leukocytosis in newborns requires a comprehensive approach. In addition to the analysis that determines the indicators of the blood structure, the doctor may prescribe an examination of the child by specialists in a narrow field, additional instrumental diagnostics (ultrasound, tomography, X-ray), biochemical blood testing, smears to detect bacterial microflora.

Treatment leukocytosis in a newborn baby

Treatment of leukocytosis in newborns is not carried out due to the fact that excess leukocyte levels are not an independent disease.

Treatment of leukocytosis is rather the treatment of the underlying cause that provokes a shift in the leukogram. Therapeutic prescriptions are directly related to the type of pathology, disease and its etiology, depends on the child's condition at birth and the detection of the pathological process, and other factors.

Inflammatory processes in different forms and stages are treated with specific drugs that do not have side effects, infections are stopped by a group of antibiotics of the latest generation, transient physiological leukocytosis in principle cannot be treated and does not require any medical procedures.

A little more detail about the treatment of leukocytosis in newborns depending on the type and identified condition, disease:

• A relative shift in the leukogram, a physiological type of leukocytosis, is a normal phenomenon that is neutralized with the disappearance of the provoking factor. For example, myogenic leukocytosis, when the baby cries for a long time. As soon as the baby calms down, literally after a few hours, the level of leukocytes returns to normal values. A similar reaction from the blood formula can be observed with a food factor that causes leukocytosis. Elimination of problems in the nutrition of the newborn, saturation of the baby's body with the necessary substances leads to the normalization of the leukogram.
• The reactive type of change in the blood structure requires further examination. If the doctor nevertheless diagnoses any pathology, the newborn may be prescribed the following groups of drugs:
  • antibiotics;
  • antiviral drugs;
  • steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • a group of antihistamine drugs.

In more serious situations, when there is a threat to the health and life of the baby, cytostatics (chemotherapy), leukophoresis, plasmapheresis and other procedures related to diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs may be prescribed.

Medicines

Medicines that can be prescribed to reduce the level of leukocytes are selected taking into account the identified disease, the psychometric parameters of the baby and the severity of his health. It should be remembered that the immune system of a newborn is only just forming and is not yet capable of functioning as a full-fledged defense, including against drug poisoning. Therefore, medicines for infants are selected very carefully and only in cases where the doctor has a choice - to give the immune system a chance to develop and work, or to preserve health and life in general.

It should also be remembered that almost the entire group of antibiotics is capable of suppressing the specific link of immunity and suppressing non-specific resistance to infectious agents. This information is especially important in the therapy of newborns, since their defense system is imperfect and has a low level of resistance.

Let's look at some types of medications, indications for their use, dosages and possible consequences of taking them.

1. Antibiotics that are prescribed for leukocytosis associated with an inflammatory process. According to statistics, it is purulent-inflammatory pathologies that provoke reactive, prolonged leukocytosis; such diseases are diagnosed most often in premature babies. In such babies, the cellular and humoral links of the immune system are underdeveloped, and protective functions are reduced. As a rule, minor infections are detected in 80% - a rash in the form of pustules, otitis, pneumonia, pemphigus and meningoencephalitis are diagnosed much less often.

Characteristics of drugs that can potentially be used in the treatment of inflammation and infections in newborns:

• The penicillin group is prescribed extremely rarely, drugs in this category are considered obsolete and have many side effects, especially for a newborn baby. Benzopenicillins can be used only as a preventive measure in case of suspected congenital TORCH infections, mixed infections of unknown etiology, urogenital infections, or syphilis. Aminopenicillins are mainly indicated for babies. Ampicillin as a drug is effective against streptococcal infection, when detecting a massive staphylococcal infection. However, the ampicillin group may be ineffective due to its ability to be hydrolyzed by lactase. The period of taking ampicillin to a newborn should not exceed 7 days, it is prescribed in combination with gentamicin. Side effects may be as follows:
  • allergy;
  • local skin rashes;
  • eosinophilia;
  • respiratory spasms;
  • convulsive syndrome;
  • diarrhea;
  • hyperkalemia.
• Aminoglycosides. The most common drugs in this group are amikacin, neomycin, gentamicin. The drugs have a wide range of action on foreign infectious agents, are especially effective against streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae - enteroviruses, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They do not work if anaerobic infections are detected. The negative side effects of these drugs are expressed in otitis, renal intoxication, overdose is fraught with diseases of the central nervous system. The safest in this sense is the latest generation antibiotic - netromycin.
• Cefazolin is a cephalosporin. This is a first-generation cephalosporin drug that effectively neutralizes pneumococci, group A streptococci, some types of staphylococci, and Klebsiella. Certain specifics of prescribing cephalosporins to newborns are due to the ability of the drugs to be destroyed by gram-negative microbial infections. Cefazolin may be indicated as a drug of choice for sporadic bacterial infections and pyoderma.

Second-generation cephalosporins are contraindicated for newborns and are not prescribed, unlike ceftriaxone, which belongs to the third generation of this category. Claforan and ceftriaxone are capable of stopping strains of Staphylococcus aureus, epidermal infections, and meningococcus. Most often, this group of drugs is prescribed as an addition to the penicillin group, 7 days after primary therapy as a stabilization measure. This method is most effective in detecting generalized infectious inflammation, meningitis of bacterial etiology. Dosage: newborns up to the 14th day of life - once a day in a dose not exceeding 20-50 mg / kg of the baby's weight. The duration of the course, as a rule, does not exceed 7 days. Possible side effects - allergic rashes, fever, polymorphic erythema, diarrhea, vomiting. Quite often, the infant's body reacts to antibiotics of this series with leukocytosis, which is considered a normal indicator of immune resistance.

• Acute viral diseases in newborns are treated with interferon group drugs. Medicines in this category are available in various forms, suppositories, suspensions are most convenient for infants. Interferons have an antiproliferative effect, stimulate immunity, and stop viral infections. Viferon and Genferon are well combined and interact with drugs of other groups, and have virtually no negative impact on the body in the form of side effects.

Vitamins

Vitamins are almost never used in the treatment of newborns, especially when it comes to leukocytosis. If the baby is born without visible developmental abnormalities, without pathologies and receives breast milk, additional vitamins are not required. The entire complex of vitamins and micronutrients is received from mother's milk or artificial milk formulas. An exception may be a deficiency of cholicalciferol (vitamin D), its deficiency is fraught with rickets, fragility and vulnerability of the infant's musculoskeletal system. Also, a newborn may experience a need for an additional amount of vitamin K, this happens against the background of taking antibiotics or steroid drugs. The required dose for newborns is 11-12 mcg, if phylloquinone (vitamin K) is not enough, the child is at risk of hemorrhagic hemorrhages. Vitamin deficiency can be replenished both by taking additional food (dry formulas), and with the help of a rational, balanced diet of the mother, giving the child everything necessary in the form of breastfeeding.

Vitamins for a newborn who has been diagnosed with leukocytosis:

• Vitamins are needed to support an immature immune system. The doctor usually prescribes a multicomplex drug that works to replenish the deficiency of microelements, a certain group of vitamins.
• Vitamins are prescribed to prevent diseases such as rickets.
• Vitamins are needed by a newborn in cases where leukocytosis is a sign of acute inflammation, the baby has undergone complex treatment and needs supportive therapy, including vitamin therapy.

It should be noted that there are no vitamins in nature that can lower or raise the level of leukocytes in the blood of an infant. If a doctor diagnoses vitamin deficiency in a newborn, this most likely indicates a vitamin deficiency in the mother, including in breast milk. Therefore, a nursing woman should take vitamin preparations, a specific dosage, and the regimen are prescribed by the attending gynecologist or pediatrician monitoring the development of the newborn.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapeutic treatment of newborns with leukocytosis is usually not prescribed. This is explained by the properties of the procedures and equipment, which do not affect the level of leukocytes.

In pediatrics, physiotherapy is considered a fairly popular method of supportive therapy. Such procedures have virtually no side effects, are safe, and are effective when prescribed correctly. Targeted impact on the baby's systems and organs can be a good, general strengthening technique that allows restoring the baby's health after an illness.

However, physiotherapy is not used for leukocytosis due to the following contraindications:

• .high body temperature, which often occurs when the level of white blood cells increases as a reaction to inflammation or an infectious disease.
• Cardiovascular diseases, a sign of which can also be leukocytosis in newborns.
• The presence of an infection in the body, including a bacterial one.
• Bleeding, hemorrhage, blood loss.
• Suspected disease of genetic etiology.
• Tumor process, oncopathologies, diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs.
• Sepsis, intoxication, including drug-induced.
• Cramps.
• Any disease that occurs with obvious symptoms and in an acute form.

Physiotherapy treatment as general strengthening procedures is often prescribed to premature babies at the stage of their adaptation, when body weight is already within normal limits, the body strives for recovery.

Rules for physiotherapy procedures for newborns:

• All procedures are scheduled for the morning or within the first half of the day.
• Physiotherapy is not performed before feeding; procedures are indicated 1-2 hours after eating (in this case, breast milk or formula).
• A course of physiotherapy for an infant usually consists of 5-7 sessions.

Indications for physiotherapeutic treatment of newborns are determined by an obstetrician, taking into account the medical history, anatomical and physiological indicators, the level of nervous excitability, the presence of possible deviations from the norm, including in the blood formula.

What can be prescribed for a child as physiotherapy?

1. Local administration of drugs in combination with the effect of electric current, or electrophoresis. This method allows you to adjust the dosage of the drug, it is also suitable for the introduction of agents that activate blood flow.
2. Physiotherapy with laser (infrared radiation). The procedures have a wound-healing effect, anti-edematous action, and also contribute to the redistribution of lymph in tissues. Less often, laser therapy for a newborn is indicated as an additional anti-inflammatory method. Laser procedures work great as postoperative rehabilitation therapy.
3. Magnetic physiotherapy is prescribed for inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, respiratory organs, and during recovery after treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Massage is the most popular method of physiotherapy for newborns in pediatrics. Regular massage sessions effectively treat almost all diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system. Massage is also effective in detecting excessive nervous excitability, in some cases - after treatment of pneumonia (as indicated).

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine and the status of a newborn should not be considered together in a serious discussion. Especially if we are talking about a newborn baby who has elevated leukocytes. Changes in blood composition are not a disease that needs to be treated, including traditional methods. This is a diagnostic criterion, one of many, indicating both a physiological, temporary factor and a possible disease.

However, there are "curious" mothers who continue to experiment and use all sorts of folk remedies for their baby. Therefore, it is worth reminding once again what leukocytosis is, how it manifests itself, what it indicates and whether it can be eliminated using folk methods and recipes.

Increased leukocytes are, first of all, a sign of the body's protective functions, a response to various factors that are uncomfortable for the baby.

Leukocytosis can be temporary, which is considered physiologically acceptable, and pathological.

• The relative type of shift in the level of leukocytes is associated with physical activity, temperature factors, food intake or, conversely, lack of nutrition.
• Reactive leukocytosis may indicate an already developed disease or its onset, it all depends on which type of white blood cells have gone beyond the normal range.

If leukocytosis in newborns is caused by infection, inflammation, other serious diseases, the treatment of the underlying cause is prescribed by a doctor. This rule regarding the therapy of newborn babies should be unshakable. Neither advice from friends, acquaintances, parents, nor, especially, recommendations from the Internet, can be considered acceptable as therapy for a baby.

Traditional medicine can be used only with the permission of an obstetrician and most often it can be an external method of using herbal medicine. For example, bathing in a herbal decoction, lotions, wiping with a napkin soaked in herbal infusion. Internal use of herbal remedies is limited to drinking dill water with increased flatulence. Perhaps this is all that can be used as a traditional treatment for a newborn child. As for leukocytosis, it is impossible to eliminate or neutralize it with the help of herbal treatment, moreover, uncontrolled use of such methods can harm the baby.

Adult patients who have elevated leukocytes in a blood test can try additional treatments to the basic therapy, including those from the “folk remedies” category.

Recipes:

• A decoction of horsetail, which contains silicon, potassium salts, carotene, tannins, saponins, vitamin C, flavonoids. 2 tablespoons of dry grass are poured with 400 ml of cold water, infused in this form for about an hour, then boiled for 10 minutes. The cooled liquid is taken by a teaspoon three times a day, the course is two weeks.
• Linden infusion, linden blossom. Flowers are rich in flavonoids and essential oils, also contain carotene, some B vitamins, tannin, phytoncides, glucose, antioxidants. The infusion is prepared simply, like tea. A handful of linden blossom is poured into a container, boiling water is poured in, covered and the liquid is kept closed for about 5 minutes. Strained linden tea can be drunk as desired, as much as you want for two weeks.
• A slight decrease in leukocytes can occur if you regularly drink a decoction of rose hips and raisins. This combination activates the immune system and strengthens the cardiovascular system. A handful of raisins and a tablespoon of dried rose hips are poured into a 1.5-liter thermos, poured with boiling water, closed and left for 6 hours. The decoction is drunk warm, 100 milliliters twice a day. The course can last up to 21 days.

To help cope with the negative factors causing leukocytosis in newborns, either eliminating the physiological cause (dietary regimen, adequate nutrition, comfortable environment, warmth) or drug treatment can help. Breastfeeding can also strengthen the protective functions of the child's immunity. It contains enough substances that contribute to the normal formation of organs, tissues, gastrointestinal tract, including the cellular and humoral link of the immune system.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment of a child from birth to six months (up to 1 year) is most often not used. An exception may be the external use of herbal decoctions, infusions (bathing), compresses, less often - drinking a special decoction of dill seeds for excessive gas formation.

In case of leukocytosis, herbal treatment is not used, however, it is necessary to consider the effect of the composition of breast milk on the protective functions of the baby's body. That is, a nursing mother can try adding a herbal remedy to the diet if this really improves the quality of milk. Therefore, herbal treatment of the mother can indirectly affect the health of the newborn.

Recipes that fall under the category of "herbal treatment" should be carefully studied and checked, preferably in cooperation with the attending obstetrician. We must not forget that the myth about the safety of herbal treatment is really a myth. There are many plants that can cause harm to the body, including quite serious ones.

Let's look at several methods of herbal treatment, using herbal infusions and decoctions:

• The baby's mother can try a course of treatment with a decoction of lingonberry berries and leaves. This method strengthens the immune system and improves the composition of breast milk. Lingonberry is rich in nutrients, vitamins (vitamin C), it has a lot of components that have an antipyretic effect. There are trace elements that tone the nervous system and improve the structure of the blood. External use of lingonberry decoction helps as a wound-healing agent. The decoction is prepared as follows: 50 grams of dry leaves or 1.5 tablespoons of berries are poured with a glass of boiling water. Leave the infusion for 30 minutes, then place it in a saucepan in a water bath and boil again for 20-25 minutes. Cooled to room temperature, the remedy is taken before meals, one teaspoon at a time - 2-3 times a day for 10-14 days. Before using lingonberry decoction, a nursing woman should consult with a pediatrician and her attending physician - gynecologist.
• Birch buds are a unique natural remedy that helps with many pathological conditions, of course, if used correctly and in doses. The buds contain essential compounds, betulinic acid, flavonoids, iron, calcium, magnesium, carotene, vitamin C, tannins, and saponins. Such a rich composition of the buds allows them to be used as an additional treatment for inflammatory processes, as a tonic, as a recipe that stops bacterial infection, as an anti-edematous herbal remedy. Also, a decoction of birch buds and leaves has a positive effect on the rhythm of blood circulation, participates in the regulation of blood composition. How to prepare a decoction? A tablespoon of raw materials (preferably purchased at a pharmacy, tested and packaged in appropriate conditions) is poured with 1.5 glasses of hot boiled water. The liquid is boiled for about 20 minutes in the "slow fire" mode. The strained product is used as a drink after meals (after 30-40 minutes), the dosage is a tablespoon, morning and evening, the course is 10 days. Then there is a break for 2 weeks and the course can be repeated as a general tonic and preventive method against viral and infectious diseases.
• A mixture of dried chamomile and nettle flowers is also quite an effective remedy that helps strengthen the body and cope with various types of inflammatory processes. Place a tablespoon of chamomile and a teaspoon of crushed dry nettle in a thermos (1 liter), pour boiling water over it and leave for 1 hour. Drink half a glass of hot chamomile tea twice a day, the course is no more than 10 days, then you should see a doctor and undergo a routine examination. This recipe is not an independent type of treatment, it only complements the basic course of therapy.

Before taking a decoction of birch leaves and buds, a nursing mother should consult with a pediatrician and her gynecologist. Birch buds are quite a strong remedy, so the dosage and regimen for taking the decoction should still be entrusted to a doctor.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is considered a popular and safe method on the one hand, and on the other hand, it is still a poorly studied and not generally accepted method of traditional treatment. Homeopathy and leukocytosis is a combination that is rarely encountered in the practice of pediatric neonatologists. Perhaps this can be explained by the fact that homeopathic drugs are more often prescribed to older children. As for newborns, they are given a chance to cope with the increased level of leukocytes on their own, with the help of the developing immune system.

However, homeopathic doctors claim that their medicinal forms are effective in treating many diseases, including diseases of newborn babies.

Selecting homeopathy for infants is a serious matter, requiring detailed information about the child itself, as well as about its parents. The main principle for a homeopath is traditionally the rule - the minimum dose and the fastest possible effect. An experienced doctor will definitely ask the mother and father about their health, then about all the features of the baby, about its anatomical and physiological parameters. A visual examination of the newborn is also necessary to specify the choice of drug, dose and course of treatment.

What problems of a newborn can homeopathy solve?

• Correction of the adaptation process after birth. Disruption of adaptation functions often provokes leukocytosis in newborns. In such cases, Etuza cyanatum can be an auxiliary agent. Method of application - dissolve 3 grains in a teaspoon of boiled water. Give as a drink 15-20 minutes before the scheduled feeding. The course duration can be up to 14 days.
• Regulation of the digestive process. The drug antimonium crudum helps to cope with unwanted air intake during sucking, belching. 2 grains are dissolved in breast milk or boiled water (a teaspoon), and given to the baby to drink twice a day for 5-7 days until the symptom is neutralized.
• Irritability, screaming, physical overexertion can provoke leukocytosis in a newborn. Nux vomica will help to cope with this condition. The drug is prescribed only by a doctor, who determines the dosage - how many drops and in what mode can be given to the baby. As a rule, doctors recommend using the drug sublingually, newborns are prescribed 1 drop three times a day before feeding, for a course of 10 days. Then health indicators are checked, and a routine blood test is also possible. If necessary, Nux vomica intake is extended for another week.

Homeopathy in the treatment of diseases that provoke leukocytosis is the responsibility, knowledge and practical experience of an obstetrician. Self-administration of homeopathic medicines is unacceptable, as is self-medication with other medications, especially when it comes to the health of a newborn baby.

Prevention

Prevention of leukocytosis in newborns are measures that help form and strengthen the baby's immune system. Prevention of the mother's health is also important, as many things depend on it, first of all, how long the baby will receive the breast milk that he so needs.

Bringing the leukocyte formula to the norm is a complex process, since leukocytosis is not considered a diagnosis, it is just one of the indicators of deviation from the leukogram limits and a sign of a possible disease. Thus, the prevention of leukocytosis is the neutralization of the risks of all kinds of diseases in the baby.

Here are some recommendations for prevention:

• A pregnant woman should regularly undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist, and take timely tests to determine or exclude the presence of intrauterine infections (IUI)
• Good, nutritious nutrition and lifestyle of the expectant mother are also an important component in preventing potential diseases of the baby.
• Giving up bad habits should be mandatory for a pregnant woman. Smoking, drinking alcohol can play a sad role in the inadequate, pathological formation of the baby's organs and systems.
• A newborn baby has every right to breastfeeding. Mother's milk is one of the most important factors influencing the healthy growth of organs, bone, muscle tissue and the formation of immunity.
• Timely examination and blood tests help prevent and reduce the risk of diseases in a newborn. A leukogram that deviates from the norm may be an isolated case when leukocytosis is explained by a physiologically acceptable factor. Pathological leukocytosis requires repeated tests and more detailed diagnostics. These measures are also part of the complex of preventing the development of inflammation, infectious lesions of the child's body.
• Mandatory routine vaccinations help the baby cope with the potential threat of serious diseases. Vaccinations against hepatitis, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and other pathologies should be the norm, not a desire or a subject of doubt for a caring mother.

Prevention of leukocytosis in newborns is a comprehensive measure that applies to both the period of pregnancy and the first year of the baby's life, when the risk of disease is quite high and the baby's body is very vulnerable.

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Forecast

The prognosis is favorable in 85-90% of cases. It is possible to talk about an unfavorable outcome when detecting an increased level of leukocytes in the blood only in the case of a serious pathology - a tumor process, blood diseases, hematopoietic organs, hereditary abnormalities, TORCH infections.

Physiological leukocytosis passes very quickly, the blood test returns to normal as soon as the provoking factor disappears. A more serious indicator - a reactive increase in the level of leukocytes is also not considered a full-fledged reason for an unfavorable prognosis. Diagnostics, determination of a specific nosology, adequate treatment in combination with the protective functions of the baby's immune system allow us to hope for an almost 100% favorable outcome and prognosis.

Leukocytosis in newborns is most often a reaction to changes in the functioning of the baby's organs and systems. As one of the signs, analytical parameters, leukocytosis requires additional information to clarify the diagnosis or confirm acceptable physiological age deviations. Leukocytosis is not a reason for parents to panic, but just information that the doctor needs for full and competent management, monitoring the formation of the body and the child's condition.

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