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Transient Stress Lymphocytosis in a Child: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Alexander Placek1, Randall Y Chan2, Maria Vergara-Lluri1
1Hematopathology Section, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Insights
Transient stress lymphocytosis (TSL), a temporary increase in white blood cells, can occur after acute stress like trauma. This case study highlights TSL in a pediatric patient, a rare occurrence in younger individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Transient stress lymphocytosis (TSL) is a temporary increase in lymphocytes, often linked to acute stress.
- While documented in adults, TSL is infrequently reported in pediatric populations.
- Understanding TSL is crucial for accurate diagnosis in emergency settings.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old male experienced TSL after a significant traumatic fall.
- The patient's lymphocytosis resolved spontaneously within days.
- This case represents a rare pediatric instance of TSL.
Findings:
- The study details the clinical presentation and resolution of TSL in a pediatric trauma patient.
- A systematic literature review on TSL was conducted.
- The findings underscore the potential for TSL in children following severe stress.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of TSL in pediatric medicine.
- Recognizing TSL can prevent misdiagnosis of other hematological conditions in children.
- Further research into pediatric TSL is warranted.
Abstract:
Transient stress lymphocytosis (TSL) is an under-recognized phenomenon associated with an acute stressful event such as physical trauma or various emergency medical conditions. Lymphocytosis generally resolves within several hours to days of the stressor. While most reports of TSL predominantly involve adult patients, it has only rarely been reported in pediatric patients. Here, we describe the clinical course of a 9-year-old male who developed TSL following a traumatic fall from a second-story balcony and provide a systematic literature review of TSL.
