Difference between revisions of "Stress Leucogram"
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
==What can this indicate== | ==What can this indicate== | ||
| − | A stress leucogram can be completely normal as part of the stress response. It is caused by endogenous release of adrenaline/epinephrine which causes the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex - this causes the haematological parameters to change. Adrenaline and then cortisol release can be triggered by pain, stress or excitement. | + | A stress leucogram can be completely normal as part of the stress response. It is caused by endogenous release of adrenaline/epinephrine which causes the release of cortisol from the [[Adrenal_Glands_-_Anatomy_&_Physiology|adrenal cortex]] - this causes the haematological parameters to change. Adrenaline and then cortisol release can be triggered by pain, stress or excitement. |
A stress leucogram can also be seen in [[Cushing's Disease]] (AKA hyperadrenocorticism) where there is a pathological increase in the amount of cortisol released endogenously, or via iatrogenic injection of exogenous corticosteroids. | A stress leucogram can also be seen in [[Cushing's Disease]] (AKA hyperadrenocorticism) where there is a pathological increase in the amount of cortisol released endogenously, or via iatrogenic injection of exogenous corticosteroids. | ||
Revision as of 14:19, 11 February 2011
A stress leuocogram is a finding on a haematological test. It is characterised by a neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopaenia and eosinopaenia
A useful pneumonic to remember is SMILED, which stands for Segmented (neutrophils) and Monocytes Increased, Lymphocytes and Eosinophils Decreased.
What can this indicate
A stress leucogram can be completely normal as part of the stress response. It is caused by endogenous release of adrenaline/epinephrine which causes the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex - this causes the haematological parameters to change. Adrenaline and then cortisol release can be triggered by pain, stress or excitement.
A stress leucogram can also be seen in Cushing's Disease (AKA hyperadrenocorticism) where there is a pathological increase in the amount of cortisol released endogenously, or via iatrogenic injection of exogenous corticosteroids.
How does it occur?
The glucocorticoid (whether endogenous or exogenous) causes a variety of affects on blood cells, including margination