Leukemoid Reaction With Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Cureus. 2023 Dec 11;15(12):e50325. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50325. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

A leukemoid reaction is a rare condition characterized by an elevation in white blood cell count exceeding 50,000 cells/μL in response to severe medical conditions, which can mimic the presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Distinguishing between leukemoid reaction and CML depends on a thorough clinical history and comprehensive laboratory evaluation. We present a case of leukemoid reaction associated with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, where the patient's white blood cell count returned to the normal range after the correction of hyperglycemia and electrolyte imbalances.

Keywords: chronic myeloid leukemia (cml); complications of dka; diabetes mellitus; diabetes mellitus management; diabetic ketoacidosis (dka); fluid management in dka; leukemia; paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports