Agonal leucocytosis is a medical term referring to an increase in white blood cells in the blood during a dying process. The word is spelled /əˈɡoʊnəl/ /luːkoʊsaɪˈtoʊsɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the word, "agonal" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by "goh-nuhl." The second part, "leucocytosis," is pronounced with "loo-koh-sy-toh-sis." This difficult term is used by healthcare professionals to describe a significant physiological response during the final moments of life.
Agonal leucocytosis refers to an abnormal increase in the levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) during the agonal period, which is the final stage of life before death. A white blood cell count (WBC) is typically measured through a blood test and serves as a diagnostic tool to assess the overall health of an individual. Leukocytes play a critical role in the body's immune response, helping to defend against infections and diseases.
During the agonal phase, various physiological changes occur as the body undergoes a process of shutdown and deteriorates. Agonal leucocytosis is a phenomenon commonly observed in individuals who are nearing death, particularly those in critical conditions or facing severe trauma. It is generally associated with the body's response to stress and distress, such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or increased release of stress hormones.
Agonal leucocytosis is characterized by a notable elevation in the number of white blood cells, typically exceeding the normal reference range. This increase is mainly attributed to a surge in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell involved in combating bacterial infections. However, the underlying mechanism behind agonal leucocytosis is not fully understood, and it remains a topic of ongoing research.
It is essential to differentiate agonal leucocytosis from other conditions that can cause an increased white blood cell count, such as infections, inflammatory disorders, or certain medications. Proper interpretation and understanding of agonal leucocytosis are crucial for healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses and manage the care of patients in the end-of-life stage.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "agonal leucocytosis" is derived from two main components: "agonal" and "leucocytosis".
1. Agonal: The word "agonal" is derived from the Greek word "agon", meaning "struggle" or "contest". It is typically used to describe the final stage of a disease or an event, often referring to the struggle before death. In medicine, it is related to the physiological changes and symptoms that occur near death.
2. Leucocytosis: The term "leucocytosis" is composed of two Greek words: "leukos" meaning "white", and "kutos" meaning "cell". Leucocytosis is a medical condition characterized by an increase in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the bloodstream. It is usually a sign of an immune response to an infection, inflammation, or other pathological processes.