Introduction into clinical practice

Leukocytosis, which is a white blood cell count above the normal range in the blood, comprises one of the characteristic clinical features of leukemia. Nevertheless, it is also observed in other pathological conditions such as infections and inflammatory responses. Differential diagnosis is highly important for the clinical doctor and the medical diagnosis of leukemia, which demands immediate medical care in most cases. The aim of the present lecture is to introduce the medical student in clinical practice and in particular in the differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach of leukocytosis. For that purpose, the diagnostic and theurapeutic procedure is presented step by step along with a clinical case report.

Objectives

After the completion of this lecture the medical student will gain a complete understanding of leukocytosis. In particular, the medical student will have the ability to: 1. Define leukocytosis 2.Classify leykocytosis into clinical subcategories 3.Identify leukemoid reaction 4.Understand the differential diagnosis of leykocytosis and cytopenia in leukemia

Prerequisites

After the completion of this lecture the medical student will gain a complete understanding of leukocytosis. In particular, the medical student will have the ability to: Define leukocytosis Classify leykocytosis into clinical subcategories Identify leukemoid reaction Understand the differential diagnosis of leykocytosis and cytopenia in leukemia

Syllabus

Section #1: Introduction into differential diagnosis of leukocytosis Hematopoiesis Definition of leukocytosis Classification of Leukocytosis Leukemoid Reaction Clinical Case Reports Differential diagnosis of leukocytosis and cytopenia Section #2: Differential diagnosis of leukocytosis- Case Report Clinical case report Diagnosis of acute leukemia Cytochemistry Immunophenotype Leukemia: classification