Abstract

FALCON DIAZ, Marcia et al. The diagnostic importance of the leukogram in the febrile and post-febrile stage in adults. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2009, vol.13, n.2, pp.169-184. ISSN 1561-3194.

A descriptive, prospective and cross sectional study with 500 patients attending at "5 de September" Outpatient Clinic in Consolacion del Sur during the first term of 2007 was conducted. This study was aimed at demonstrating that no variation is observed in leukogram during febril and post-febril stage. A Global and differential count of leukocytes was performed by means of the traditional method while the temperature was elevated and during post-febril stage. Simple computerized tools were used to collect the information and for the statistical significance chi-square method and the test for the comparison of proportions. Out of the sample studied 56,4% had slight fever, 206 presented fever and only 2,4% presented hyperpyrexia, 235 patients presented leukocyte counts in the normal parameters established, slight leukocytosis prevailed in a 48,6% followed by moderate in 3,8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis predominated in a 40, 8%, and lymphocytes 24%; a low percent of eosinophiles, monocytes and young cells was observed; during both stages no significant differences were found in the results of this complementary analysis. The waiting time of the patients in the emergency room to reach the normal temperatures was between 30 minutes to 2 hours and more. A strategy to train medical personnel about the topic is designed.

Keywords : Fever; Normal Temperature; Slight Fever; Hyperthermia; Leukogram.

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