Severe leukemoid reaction in a preterm infant with congenital cytomegalovirus infection

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2014 Jul;36(5):e310-2. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000030.

Abstract

Leukemoid reaction, defined as a total leukocyte count of >50,000/mm, is most commonly related to antenatal administration of steroids, infections, and transient myeloproliferative disorder of Down syndrome in newborns. Atypical presentations of viral infections can be a diagnostic challenge in the newborn period. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes a multisystem disease, and symptomatic infants generally present with intrauterine growth restriction, hepatosplenomegaly, cholestasis, rash, thrombocytopenia, and microcephaly. We present a case of a preterm infant with severe myeloid leukemoid reaction (leukocyte count >100,000/mm) at birth who was diagnosed with congenital CMV infection on the basis of CMV polymerase chain reaction results after the appearance of cholestasis, blueberry muffin rash, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / congenital*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Leukemoid Reaction / diagnosis*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • DNA, Viral