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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
06:21
Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
Published on: November 21, 2018
Leukemoid response in ethylene glycol intoxication.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|October 4, 2002
Summary
Ethylene glycol ingestion can cause severe acidosis, renal failure, and a leukemoid response, characterized by high white blood cell counts. Elevated leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) aids in distinguishing this toxic reaction from leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ethylene glycol poisoning is a serious medical emergency.
- Severe neutrophilia can mimic leukemia, complicating diagnosis.
- Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) is a key differentiator.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old male presented with severe acidosis, renal failure, and profound neutrophilia after ethylene glycol ingestion.
- Infectious and malignant causes of neutrophilia were excluded.
- An elevated LAP level confirmed a leukemoid response, which subsequently resolved.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of a leukemoid response directly attributed to a toxin (ethylene glycol).
- Distinguishing leukemoid reactions from leukemia is crucial, especially with extreme neutrophilia.
- Elevated LAP levels are instrumental in differentiating these conditions.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider a leukemoid reaction in patients with extreme neutrophilia following toxin exposure.
- Measuring LAP levels is recommended to differentiate leukemoid reactions from leukemia in such cases.
- This finding expands the known causes of leukemoid reactions beyond therapeutic agents.
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