Amphetamines and leukocytosis

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An elevated leukocyte count is used by all physicians as a prime indicator of the presence of infection. In fact, it often constitutes the major or even the sole basis for hospital admission. Occurrence of this finding in circumstances other than infection is of interest and potential importance as well. In this article, Dr Goldberg reports the results of a study strongly suggesting that leukocytosis may be associated with the use of amphetamines (“speed”). One reviewer, in recommending publication of the article, noted that he had found otherwise unexplained leukocytosis in prison inmates who probably had been using these drugs.