Suspected betamethasone-induced leukemoid reaction in a premature infant.
The use of antenatal corticosteroids in threatened pregnancies of less than 34 weeks' duration is a valuable tool for assisting fetal lung maturation. Although this practice has existed for over 20 years, little is known about a rare extreme elevation of the newborn's white blood cell count, called a leukemoid reaction. A case of leukemoid reaction is discussed to assist the clinician with the current thought processes and diagnostic differential behind this benign condition.
Hoff
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DS
Children's Healthcare-Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, USA.
Mammel
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D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007955:Leukemoid Reaction / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001623:Betamethasone