In lobar pneumonia children under five years of
age have a lower leucocytosis than those who are
older. In cases of apical pneumonia the total
leucocytosis is greater than in basal pneumonia, the
increase being due to polymorphs. Also the increase
in children over five years of age is due to an
increase in the same form of cell. Large lymphocytes
are always increased, but most markedly in children
under five years of age. Small lymphocytes are very
much diminished at the onset of the disease, but
gradually return to normal about the crisis.
Eosinophils disappear at the beginning of the
disease and reappear about the crisis.
During the disease the total count in uncomplicated
cases tends to fall; the diminution being
chiefly seen in polymorphs.
In fatal cases the leucocytosis is small owing
to a failure of the polymorphs and large lymphocytes
to react.
Glycogen reaction is most marked in severe cases
