Transient Leukoerythroblastic Reaction in a Newborn with Rh-Incompatibility and Hemolysis: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Leukoerythroblastosis is rarely encountered in clinical practice and is characterized by the presence of leukocytosis and erythroid and myeloid blast cells in peripheral blood. The most common causes of leukoerythroblastosis in early childhood are viral infection, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, and osteopetrosis. To the best of our knowledge, leukoerythroblastic reactions associated with hemolysis have not been previously reported in newborns. Here, we report a 24-hour-old female term newborn diagnosed with a leukoerythroblastic reaction, severe anemia, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia secondary to Rh incompatibility based on presentation, laboratory determination, and peripheral morphology. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to avoid life-threatening complications among health professionals in the neonatal care unit.

Keywords:

• newborn
• Rh-incompatibility
• hemolysis
• leukoerythroblastic reaction

Data Sharing Statement

Data supporting the findings of this case are available upon request from the corresponding author.

Ethical Clearance

Informed consent for publication was obtained from the parents and ethical clearance was obtained from the Department of Pediatrics Research and Ethics Committee.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.