[Leukemoid reactions in premature neonates with a very low birth weight]

Authors present three cases of leukemoid reaction in very low birth weight preterm infants. Hematologic evolution is detailed and was characterized by the presence of intense leukocytosis with marked shift to the left abundant immature forms. Leukocyte counts reached values of 70,000 and 106,000/mm3 between the second and third day of life, becoming normal around the eight day. No pathology known to cause such intense leukocytosis was observed in any case. Bibliography is reviewed and possible etiology is discussed, as until now this entity has been attributed to prenatal administration of glucocorticoids.