Categories: Endocrinology

Why do Steroids or Glucocorticoids increase WBC count?

Leukocytosis is secondary to demargination. Corticosteroids, anti inflammatory glucocorticoids (i.e dexamethasone) and catecholamines (i.e epinephrine) cause leukocytes to demarginate from the vascular wall (endothelium) and microvasculature into the main circulation, contributing to the white blood cell count on CBC. [1]

References

1. Meredith E. Fay, David R. Myers, Amit Kumar, Cory T. Turbyfield, Rebecca Byler, Kaci Crawford, Robert G. Mannino, Alvin Laohapant, Erika A. Tyburski, Yumiko Sakurai, Michael J. Rosenbluth, Neil A. Switz, Todd A. Sulchek, Michael D. Graham, and Wilbur A. Lam. Cellular softening mediates leukocyte demargination and trafficking, thereby increasing clinical blood counts. PNAS 2016 113: 1987-1992.

Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Recent Posts

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

1 month ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

1 month ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

1 year ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

1 year ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

2 years ago

How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Hypoventilation?

Although rare, the differential diagnosis of hypoventilation and hypercapnia respiratory failure includes hypothyroidism. It is…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.