Döhle Bodies Associated with Uncomplicated Pregnancy

Döhle bodies have been described in the neutrophilic leukocytes of uncomplicated gravid women. Of 500 blood films screened from uncomplicated pregnancies, all but 9 exhibited Döhle bodies. Serial studies of 15 uncomplicated pregnancies, followed throughout all 3 trimesters and for 6 to 8 weeks postpartum, repeatedly showed Döhle bodies. No Döhle bodies were found in the leukocytes of the 500 normal nonpregnant women used as a control.

The appearance of Döhle bodies in uncomplicated pregnancy and their relationship with the inclusions found in various states are unexplained.