Difference between revisions of "Stress Leucogram"

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(Created page with "A stress leuocogram is a finding on a haematological test. It is characterised by a neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopaenia and...")
 
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==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 above haematological parameters to change, this release can be triggered by pain, stress or excitement.  See below for the mechanism for this change.   
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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 adrenaline released endogenously, or via iatrogenic injection of exogenous corticosteroids.
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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?==
 
==How does it occur?==
 
The corticosteroid (whether endogenous or exogenous) causes a variety of affects on blood cells, including margination
 
The corticosteroid (whether endogenous or exogenous) causes a variety of affects on blood cells, including margination

Revision as of 14:16, 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 corticosteroid (whether endogenous or exogenous) causes a variety of affects on blood cells, including margination