Leukocyte counts in children with sickle cell disease. Comparative values in the steady state, vaso-occlusive crisis, and bacterial infection
G. R. Buchanan and B. E. Glader
Total and differential WBC counts were measured in 88 children with sickle
cell hemoglobinopathies during the steady state, vaso-occlusive crisis, and
bacterial infection. Steady state leukocyte values were lower than
anticipated on the basis of currently available information. Total and
segmented leukocyte numbers were greatly increased during vaso-occlusive
crisis and infection, but only with bacterial infection was there a
consistent increase in bands or nonsegmented leukocytes (mean,
4,580/microliter). On the basis of these data we believe that total and
differential leukocyte counts are of value for identifying those children
with potentially serious bacterial infections.
