Leukocytosis
is admitted to the 
with lupus nephritis. She is started on therapy including a corticosteroid 
The next day, leukocytosis is noted. What is the MOST LIKELY explanation?
A. New infection
B. Medication side effect
C. Malignancy
D. Lab error
How did others respond?
Reveal the answer
Best Answer:
Medication side effect
Explanation: When corticosteroids are started, they often cause an increase in white blood cells, through a process called demargination.
Though leukocytosis CAN indicate infection, a prospective study found that 43% of patients with ⬆️ WBCs were NOT diagnosed with an infection 🤯