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Balasundaram P, Sakr M. Chromosomal Integration of HHV-6 in a Preterm Neonate: A Rare Case of Hyperleukocytosis and Clinical Implications. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:432-437. [PMID: 38921702 PMCID: PMC11206556 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukocytosis in neonates can occur because of infectious, inflammatory, malignant, or physiological processes. Hyperleukocytosis is defined as a total leukocyte count (TLC) exceeding 100,000 per mm3, warranting immediate evaluation. Neonates with hyperleukocytosis are at risk of leukostasis and the associated severe complications, including respiratory distress, myocardial ischemia, hyperuricemia, acute renal failure, infarction, and hemorrhage. Differentiating leukemia and leukemoid reactions in neonates presenting with elevated TLC is challenging but critical. We present a unique case of a preterm male neonate with hyperleukocytosis, initially suspected to have an underlying malignancy. The neonate's clinical course was complicated by respiratory distress syndrome and anemia of prematurity, necessitating neonatal intensive care unit management. Further investigation revealed high human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA levels in the whole blood, leading to a chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6) diagnosis. CiHHV-6 is characterized by HHV-6 DNA integration into the host genome. Accurate diagnosis relies on whole-blood quantitative PCR, distinguishing ciHHV-6 from an active infection. The neonate remained asymptomatic, and antiviral treatment was deemed unnecessary. This case underscores the importance of recognizing ciHHV-6 as a potential cause of hyperleukocytosis in neonates and highlights the value of whole-blood PCR for differentiation. Understanding the spectrum of HHV-6 infection in neonates is vital for appropriate management and prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanikumar Balasundaram
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Mercy Health—Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford, IL 61114, USA
| | - Mohamed Sakr
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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Milaszewska A, Hanselman B, Lee GKC, Wood RD, Ogg AA. Neonatal hyperleukocytosis and regenerative anemia in a septic puppy. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2022; 63:491-496. [PMID: 35502256 PMCID: PMC9009744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a case of neonatal hyperleukocytosis in a dog due to a bacterial infection. A 3-week-old, mixed-breed dog was brought to a veterinary college referral center with a history of weight loss despite a good appetite. Clinical and laboratory examinations included: physical examination, complete blood (cell) count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, abdominal ultrasound examination, and cytology of liver and bone marrow aspirates. The CBC showed hyperleukocytosis of 158.0 × 109/L (RI: 2.1 to 21.2 × 109/L) and hematocrit of 0.19 L/L (RI: 0.21 to 0.34 L/L). The strong leukemoid reaction was comprised of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. The dog was diagnosed with Staphylococcus pseudointermedius liver infection based on liver aspirates and culture. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was prescribed. A recheck abdominal ultrasound and CBC repeated 4 wk after initial examination were unremarkable. Neonatal hyperleukocytosis is well-described in human medicine but veterinary studies in small animal neonates are scarce. Key clinical message: Hyperleukocytosis in adult dogs may be caused by leukemia or leukemoid reactions. Generalized sepsis is a leading cause of leukemoid reactions in adult dogs and cats. In puppies, neoplasia is less likely, and other causes should be investigated. Similar to human neonates, puppies can mount a strong leukemoid reaction during an infection, even if it is not a generalized septic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Milaszewska
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Milaszewska, Ogg); Department of Internal Medicine, Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital Mississauga, Ontario (Hanselman); Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Lee, Wood)
| | - Beth Hanselman
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Milaszewska, Ogg); Department of Internal Medicine, Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital Mississauga, Ontario (Hanselman); Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Lee, Wood)
| | - Gary Kwok Cheong Lee
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Milaszewska, Ogg); Department of Internal Medicine, Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital Mississauga, Ontario (Hanselman); Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Lee, Wood)
| | - R Darren Wood
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Milaszewska, Ogg); Department of Internal Medicine, Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital Mississauga, Ontario (Hanselman); Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Lee, Wood)
| | - Anthony Abrams Ogg
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Milaszewska, Ogg); Department of Internal Medicine, Mississauga-Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital Mississauga, Ontario (Hanselman); Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Lee, Wood)
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Jumanne S, Nyundo A. A case of a 22-month-old boy with necrotizing pneumonia presenting with leukaemoid reaction misdiagnosed as leukaemia: a case report and review of the literature. Malawi Med J 2019; 31:223-226. [PMID: 31839893 PMCID: PMC6895389 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v31i3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Necrotizing pneumonia and hyperleukocytosis, to the extent of that seen in leukaemia, is a rarely reported presentation. The commonest trigger of such a presentation is an inflammatory process caused by an overwhelming infection which leads to bone marrow irritation. However, the misdiagnosis of this clinical entity as leukaemia should be avoided at all costs so as to avoid the anxiety associated with a diagnosis of cancer, both to the patients and their families. Case presentation Here, we report the case of a 22-month-old boy who was referred to our Pediatric Oncology Unit (POU). Owing to a high total leukocyte count (TLC) of 98,000 cells/µl, there was a strong suspicion of leukaemia. The boy had been reviewed at another hospital where he presented with fever and cough refractory to the commencement of tuberculosis medications as a result of chest radiography findings. Laboratory investigations performed on admission in the POU were negative for leukaemia and other myeloproliferative disorders. A chest computer tomography (CT) scan was performed to delineate opacification in the right middle lobe. This revealed multiple necrotic and emphysematous foci in line with a diagnosis of necrotizing pneumonia. Subsequently, the patient responded well to a course of piperacillin- tazobactam. The TLC normalized and the cough and fever resolved over a period of 2 weeks. Conclusion Here, we describe a particularly rare case of leukaemoid reaction with a massive leukocyte count. Such patients can be easily misdiagnosed as having leukaemia or other myeloproliferative disorders, especially in settings with limited diagnostic availability. Such misdiagnosis can cause undue stress on the patient and their families. Thus, it is important that patients presenting with these symptoms should undergo a thorough review of history, physical examination and a structured workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakilu Jumanne
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 395, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Muhimbili National Hospitals, P.O. Box 65000, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Azan Nyundo
- Department of Internal Medicine (Psychiatry Division), College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 395, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Severe neonatal infection secondary to prenatal transmembranous ascending vaginal candidiasis. CASE REPORTS IN PERINATAL MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/crpm-2015-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Fungal neonatal infection with Candida is rare, despite a prevalence of vaginal mycosis of up to 30% during pregnancy. Although there are no recommendations to treat asymptomatic vaginal colonization with candida in healthy pregnant women, this case report highlights that asymptomatic colonization with Candida can lead to chorioamnionitis and systemic neonatal infection with leukemoid reaction. Treatment of asymptomatic candida colonization in women at risk of preterm delivery should be considered.
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