title: Suspected betamethasone-induced leukemoid reaction in a premature infant.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Children's Healthcare-Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, USA.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mammel
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001623:Betamethasone