scholarly journals Higher total white blood cell and neutrophil counts are associated with an increased risk of fatal stroke occurrence: the Guangzhou biobank cohort study

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-bing Hu ◽  
Ze-xiong Lu ◽  
Feng Zhu ◽  
Cao-qiang Jiang ◽  
Wei-sen Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory diseases are linked to an increased risk of stroke events. The white blood cell (WBC) count is a common marker of the inflammatory response. However, it is unclear whether the WBC count, its subpopulations and their dynamic changes are related to the risk of fatal stroke in relatively healthy elderly population. Methods In total, 27,811 participants without a stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for a mean of 11.5 (standard deviation = 2.3) years. After review of available records, 503 stroke deaths (ischaemic 227, haemorrhagic 172 and unclassified 104) were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the associations between the WBC count, its subpopulations and their dynamic changes (two-phase examination from baseline to the 1st follow-up) and the risk of fatal all stroke, fatal ischaemic stroke and fatal haemorrhagic stroke. Results (i) Regarding the WBC count in relation to the risk of fatal stroke, restricted cubic splines showed an atypically U-curved association between the WBC count and the risk of fatal all stroke occurrence. Compared with those in the lowest WBC count quartile (< 5.3*10^9/L), the participants with the highest WBC count (> 7.2*10^9/L) had a 53 and 67% increased risk for fatal all stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–2.02, P = 0.003) and fatal haemorrhagic stroke (aHR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.10–2.67, P = 0.03), respectively; compared with those in the lowest quartile (< 3.0*10^9/L), the participants with the highest NEUT count (> 4.5*10^9/L) had a 45 and 65% increased risk for fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.10–1.89, P = 0.008) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.10–2.47 P = 0.02), respectively. With the additional adjustment for C-reactive protein, the same results as those for all stroke and ischaemic stroke, but not haemorrhagic stroke, were obtained for the WBC count (4 ~ 10*10^9/L) and the NEUT count (the NEUT counts in the top 1% and bottom 1% at baseline were excluded). (ii) Regarding dynamic changes in the WBC count in relation to the risk of fatal stroke, compared with the stable group (− 25% ~ 25%, dynamic changes from two phases of examination (baseline, from September 1st, 2003 to February 28th, 2008; 1st follow-up, from March 31st 2008 to December 31st 2012)), the groups with a 25% increase in the WBC count and NEUT count respectively had a 60% (aHR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.40, P = 0.02) and 45% (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI1.02–2.05, P = 0.04) increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence. Conclusions The WBC count, especially the NEUT count, was associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence. Longitudinal changes in the WBC count and NEUT count increase in excess of 25% were also associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence in the elderly population.

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 117693512110699
Author(s):  
Gedam Derbew Addisia ◽  
Awoke Seyoum Tegegne ◽  
Denekew Bitew Belay ◽  
Mitiku Wale Muluneh ◽  
Mahider Abere Kassaw

Background: Leukemia is a type of cancers that start in the bone marrow and produce a serious number of abnormal white blood cells. Bleeding and bruising problems, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infection are among symptoms of the disease. The main objective of this study is to identify the determinant of the progression rate of white blood cells among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study design was conducted on 312 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at FHRH, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia under treatment from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. A linear mixed-effects model was considered for the progression of the white blood cell data. Results: The estimated coefficient of the fixed effect intercept was 84.68, indicating that the average white blood cell (WBC) count of the patients was 84.68 at baseline time by excluding all covariates in the model ( P-value <.001). Male sex ( β = 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58, 0.5.25), age ( β = .17, 95% CI 0.08, 0.28), widowed/divorced marital status ( β = 3.30, 95% CI 0.03, 6.57), medium chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stage ( β = −4.34, 95% CI −6.57, −2.68), high CLL stage ( β = −2.76, 95% CI −4.86, −0.67), hemoglobin ( β = .15, 95% CI 0.07, 0.22), platelet ( β = .09, 95% CI 0.02, 0.17), lymphocytes ( β = .16, 95% CI 0.03, 0.29), red blood cell (RBC) ( β = .17, 95% CI 0.09, 0.25), and follow-up time ( β = .27, 95% CI 0.19, 0.36) were significantly associated with the average WBC count of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Conclusions: The finding showed that age, sex, lymphocytic, stage of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, marital status, platelet, hemoglobin, RBC, and follow-up time were significantly associated with the average WBC count of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Therefore, health care providers should give due attention and prioritize those identified factors and give frequent counseling about improving the health of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e027701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Yeon Lee ◽  
Jae-Sung Lim ◽  
Dong Jun Oh ◽  
Il Gyu Kong ◽  
Hyo Geun Choi

ObjectiveAccumulating evidence has supported the association between migraine and stroke, but the causative association remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the risks of different types of stroke in patients with migraine.DesignA longitudinal follow-up study.SettingData collected from a national cohort between 2002 and 2013 by the South Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment.ParticipantsWe extracted the data from patients with migraine (n=41 585) and 1:4 matched controls (n=1 66 340) and analysed the occurrence of ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. The migraine group included participants treated for migraine (International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10): G43)≥2 times. Haemorrhagic stroke (I60-I62) and ischaemic stroke (I63) were determined based on the admission histories. The crude and adjusted HRs were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models, and the 95% CI were determined. Subgroup analyses stratified by age and sex were also performed.ResultsHigher rates of ischaemic stroke were observed in the migraine group (2.3% [964/41,585]) than in the control group (2.0% [3294/166 340], P<0.001). The adjusted HR for ischaemic stroke was 1.18 (95% CI=1.10 to 1.26) in the migraine group (P<0.001). Compared with control subjects, participants who reported migraine with aura and migraine without aura had increased adjusted HRs of 1.44 (95% CI=1.09 to 1.89) and 1.15 (95% CI=1.06 to 1.24), respectively, for ischaemic stroke, but no increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke. In our subgroup analysis, a strong association between migraine and ischaemic stroke was observed in young patients, specifically young women. The contribution of migraine to the occurrence of ischaemic stroke was also observed in middle-aged women and old women (each P<0.05). The risk of haemorrhagic stroke did not reach statistical significance in any age group.ConclusionMigraine is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke, but not haemorrhagic stroke.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-bing. Hu ◽  
Ze-xiong Lu ◽  
Feng Zhu ◽  
Cao-qiang Jiang ◽  
Wei-sen Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: To investigate the relations of white blood cell (WBC) count and its dynamic change with future stroke mortality risk in a relatively healthy elderly population.Methods: A total of 27811 participants without stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for an average of 11.5 (SD=2.3) years. After review of available records, 399 stroke (277 ischaemic and 172 haemorrhagic) deaths were recorded among all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of WBC count showed 53% and 67% increased mortality risk for total (adjusted HR [aHR]=1.53, 95% CI 1.16-2.02, P=0.003) and haemorrhagic (aHR=1.67, 95% CI 1.10-2.67, P=0.03) stroke, respectively; the highest neutrophil count showed 45% and 65% increased mortality risk for total (aHR=1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.89, P=0.008) and ischaemic (aHR=1.65, 95% CI 1.10-2.47 P=0.02) stroke. The same results found for total and ischaemic stroke but not for haemorrhagic stroke were observed for both WBCs and neutrophils within the normal range level after further C-reactive protein (CRP) adjustment. Compared with the stable group, the 25% increased groups of both WBCs (aHR=1.60, 95% CI 1.07-2.40, P=0.02) and neutrophils (aHR=1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.05, P =0.04) showed 60% and 45% increased stroke mortality risk, respectively.Conclusions: These findings support the role of WBCs, especially neutrophils, as simple, inexpensive and readily available predictors of future stroke mortality in an elderly population. Trial registration: The Guangzhou Medical Ethics Committee of the Chinese Medical Association approved the study.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-bing Hu ◽  
Ze-xiong Lu ◽  
Feng Zhu

Abstract Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has linked to a mortality risk of coronary heart disease. However, it is unclear whether the NLR is related to the risk of fatal stroke in a relatively healthy elderly population.Aims: To evaluate the association between the NLR and the risk of fatal stroke in elderly populations.Methods: In total, 27811 participants without a stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for a mean of 11.5 (standard deviation=2.3) years. After review of available records, 503 stroke deaths (ischaemic 227, haemorrhagic 172 and unclassified 104) were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the relationship between the NLR and future risk of fatal stroke, fatal ischaemic stroke or fatal haemorrhagic stroke.Results: (1) Compared with those in the 1st quartile and after adjustments for a series of factors, those in the highest neutrophil (NEUT) quartile had a 45% and a 65% increased risk of fatal stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.89, P=0.008) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR=1.65, 95% CI 1.10-2.47, P=0.02), respectively; while no significant relationship was obtained between the lymphocyte (LYM) and the risk of fatal stroke. (2) The restricted cubic splines showed an increased trend of relationship between the NLR and the risk of fatal stroke occurrence. Compared with those in the lowest quartile (≤ 1.39), the participants with the highest NLR (≥ 2.24) had a 76% and a 115% increased risk of fatal stroke (aHR=1.76, 95% CI 1.33-2.32) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR=2.15, 95% CI 1.41-3.28), respectively; Similar associations for stroke and ischaemic stroke were obtained after further adjustment for C-reactive protein. (3) Compared with those in NLR ≤ 1.75, the participants in NLR > 1.75 had a 57% and a 91% increased risk of fatal stroke (aHR=1.57, 95%CI 1.20-2.06) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR=1.91, 95%CI 1.27-2.88), respectively. (3) As a continuous variable, the NLR presented an increased risk of fatal stroke (aHR=1.11 95%CI 1.06-1.17) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR=1.15 95%CI 1.09-1.21), respectively.Conclusions: Higher NLR was associated with an increased risk of fatal stroke and fatal ischaemic stroke occurrence in a relatively healthy elderly population.The clinicians should pay more attention to asymptomatic inflammatory characteristics in relatively healthy older population.


Angiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 000331972110211
Author(s):  
Buyun Jia ◽  
Chongfei Jiang ◽  
Yun Song ◽  
Chenfangyuan Duan ◽  
Lishun Liu ◽  
...  

Increased arterial stiffness is highly prevalent in patients with hypertension and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Increased white blood cell (WBC) counts may also be an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness and CV events. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between differential WBC counts and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in hypertensive adults. A total of 14 390 participants were included in the final analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was applied for the correlation analysis of WBC count and baPWV. Higher WBC counts were associated with a greater baPWV: adjusted β = 10 (95% CI, 8-13, P < .001). The same significant association was also found when WBC count was assessed as categories or quartiles. In addition, the effect of differential WBC subtypes, including neutrophil count and lymphocyte count on baPWV, showed the similar results. These findings showed that baPWV has positive associations with differential WBC counts in hypertensive adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ademola Olusegun Talabi ◽  
Tewogbade Adeoye Adedeji ◽  
Oludayo Adedapo Sowande ◽  
Olusanya Adejuyigbe

Abstract Background The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children is quite challenging as the rate of negative appendectomy varies between 15 and 57%. Increased utilization of imaging diagnostic facilities in advanced countries seems to have reduced the incidence of operating on normal appendix to a single digit. In low- and middle-income countries, the incidence remains unacceptably high (double digits). Inflammatory markers and scoring systems may be a suitable adjunct to increase diagnostic yield in most third world countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Alvarado score, white blood cell count, and serum C-reactive protein in children with acute appendicitis. Results The ages of patients ranged between 4 and 15 years with a mean of 11.2 ± 2.8 years. The male to female ratio was 1.4 to 1.0. Nineteen percent of patients had negative appendiceal findings on histological examination. The sensitivity and specificity of Alvarado score, C-reactive protein estimation, total white blood cell count in diagnosing acute appendicitis were 86.4% and 63.2%, 98.8% and 36.8%, and 51.9% and 89.5% respectively. Alvarado score has the highest area under ROC curve analysis 0.824, 95% CI of 0.724 to 0.924 compared with CRP, 0.769. 95% CI of = 0.647 to 0.891 and WBC count, 0.765, 95% CI of 0.643 to 0.887. Both CRP and WBC count showed higher discriminatory values between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, p < 0.001. Conclusion Alvarado score outperformed other tests in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, none of the tests can be relied on wholly for operative decision. Clinical judgement remains the bedrock for diagnosis and operative management.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 2446-2452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Landolfi ◽  
Leonardo Di Gennaro ◽  
Tiziano Barbui ◽  
Valerio De Stefano ◽  
Guido Finazzi ◽  
...  

Abstract In polycythemia vera, vascular risk assessment is based on age and thrombotic history, while the role of other potential predictors of this risk is still uncertain. Thus, we exploited the large database collected by the observational study of the European Collaboration on Low-Dose Aspirin in Polycythemia Vera (ECLAP) to investigate the association of hematologic variables and cardiovascular risk factors with the thrombotic risk. Among 1638 polycythemic patients followed for 2.7 ± 1.3 years, there were 205 thromboses. Subjects with hypertension had a mild nonsignificant increase in the risk of arterial thrombosis, while this risk was significantly increased by smoking (hazard ratio [HR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-3.14; P = .012). The time-dependent analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that patients with a white blood cell count above 15 × 109/L, compared with those with a white blood cell count below 10 × 109/L, had a significant increase in the risk of thrombosis (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.10-2.65; P = .017), mainly deriving from an increased risk of myocardial infarction (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.25-6.46; P = .013). Thus, leukocyte count may help in defining the vascular risk of polycythemic subjects.


2013 ◽  
Vol 04 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S31-S34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin Yi Ng ◽  
Ki Jinn Chin ◽  
Tong Kiat Kwek

ABSTRACT Background: Leucopenia has been reported after induction of thiopentone barbiturate therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension. However, the incidence and characterisitics are not well described. Aims: We performed a retrospective review to describe the incidence and characteristics of leucopenia after induction of thiopentone barbiturate therapy. Setting and Design: Our centre is a national referral centre for neurotrauma and surgery in a tertiary medical institution.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who received thiopentone barbiturate therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension during an 18 month period from January 2004 to June 2005 in our neurosurgical intensive care unit. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15.0. All data are reported as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). The Chi square test was used to analyze categorical data and student t test done for comparison of means. For paired data, the paired t?test was used.-test was used. Results: Thirty eight (80.9%) out of 47 patients developed a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count after induction of thiopentone barbiturate coma. The mean decrease in WBC from baseline to the nadir was 6.4 × 10 9 /L (P <lt; 0.001) and occurred 57 (3-147) h after induction. The mean nadir WBC was 8.6 < 3.6 × 10 9 /L. Three (6.4%) patients were leucopenic, with a WBC count of 2.8, 3.1, and 3.6 < 10 9 /L. None of them were neutropenic. We did not find an association between decrease in WBC count and clinical diagnosis of infection. We did not find any association between possible risk factors such as admission GCS, maximum ICP prior to induction of barbiturate coma, APACHE II score, total duration and dose of thiopentone given, and decrease in WBC count. Conclusions: Decrease in WBC count is common, while development of leucopenia is rare after thiopentone barbiturate coma. Regular monitoring of WBC counts is recommended.


Stroke ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 32 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 329-329
Author(s):  
Catherine M Viscoli ◽  
Lawrence M Brass ◽  
Walter N Kernan ◽  
Philip M Sarrel ◽  
Ralph Horwitz

71 Introduction: Observational research has produced conflicting findings concerning the effect of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on reducing risk for vascular events or death in women. To test the effect of ERT in women with established cerebrovascular disease, we designed a randomized trial of estradiol-17β(1 mg/day) vs. placebo. Methods: Participants were identified from 20 hospitals in New England. Eligibility criteria included age over 44, at least 1 year since last menstrual period, and TIA or non-disabling stroke within 90 days of entry. Randomization was stratified by baseline risk group and hospital. Primary trial outcomes were non-fatal stroke and all-cause death. Results: From December 1993-May 1998, 652 women were randomized (332 estradiol, 320 placebo). Index event was TIA in 164 subjects and stroke in 488. Mean age of subjects was 71 years (range 46–91); 84% were white, 13% black, and 4% other. Mean follow-up was 2.7 years (range: 18 days-5.8 years). At 1 year, 76% of subjects assigned to estradiol were on study drug. In the estradiol group, adverse events were diagnosed during follow-up in 8 subjects (1 pulmonary embolus (PE), 1 deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 5 breast cancers, 1 endometrial cancer) compared with 7 events in placebo subjects (2 PE, 1 DVT, and 4 breast cancers). Non-fatal strokes were confirmed in 51 subjects in the estradiol group vs. 52 in placebo subjects (rates at 3 years[R]: 16.8% estradiol vs. 17.4% placebo; logrank p-value[p]=.83). Death occurred in 46 estradiol subjects vs. 38 placebo subjects (R=13.0% vs. 12.6%, p=.89). At 3 years, combined rate of non-fatal stroke or death was 27.6% in the estradiol group vs. 27.7% in placebo [p=.80]. Conclusion: During an average follow-up of 2.7 years, estradiol treatment did not protect against recurrent cerebral ischemia or reduce all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women with pre-existing cerebrovascular disease. No increased risk for adverse events associated with estrogen was observed. This trial adds to the growing body of evidence that fails to confirm a protective role for ERT in populations with known vascular disease.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Albert Jang ◽  
Hussein Hamad ◽  
Sarvari Venkata Yellapragada ◽  
Iberia R. Sosa ◽  
Gustavo A. Rivero

Background: Conventional risk factors for inferior outcomes in polycythemia vera (PV) include elevated hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, age, and abnormal karyotype. Weight loss adversely impacts survival in cancer patients. JAK2 myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) upregulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 and induce decreased leptin levels leading to weight loss. The impact of weight loss in PV patients receiving best supportive care (i.e. frontline hydroxyurea [HU] therapy, phlebotomy) on overall survival (OS) is largely unknown. In this study, we seek to investigate: (1) differential effect on survival for weight loss, and (2) variables with predictive value for weight loss among JAK2 inhibitor-naïve PV patients. Methods: After IRB approval, 46 patients at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center diagnosed with PV between 2000 and 2016 were selected for analysis. Our outcome of interest was OS among PV patients exhibiting weight loss versus patients who maintained, gained weight or had minor weight loss. To objectively estimate weight changes overtime, the difference between baseline BMI [BMI-B] at the time of diagnosis and BMI at last follow-up (BMI-L) was obtained for each patient. Survival analysis was performed for PV patients exhibiting more than 10% weight loss (&gt;10%) versus all other patients (less than 10% loss, stable and increased weight) (&lt;10%) over time. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to determine OS. Cox regression model was performed to assess independent role of different variables including age, blood cell counts and ferritin level Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Results: Median BMI loss was 10% (0.03-36.72%); 33/46 (71.7%) and 13/46 (28.2%) patients developed &lt;10% and &gt;10% BMI loss, respectively. Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Median BMI at last follow up was 21 for PV patients exhibiting &gt;10% BMI loss and 27.7 for PV patients exhibiting &lt;10% BMI loss (p&lt;0.01). Median age was higher among patients exhibiting &gt;10% BMI loss (68 vs 56 y, respectively, p=0.006). A non-significant clinical trend for higher WBC was observed among patients losing &gt;10% BMI (10.9 vs 7.6 K/uL, p=0.08). Median Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and ferritin were intriguingly lower in the &gt;10% loss group at 16 vs 18.3 g/dL (p=0.01), 49.3 vs 54.2% (p=0.04) and 29.8 vs 50.6 ng/mL (p=0.09) respectively, while median RDW was higher at 18 vs 15.1% (p=0.01). OS was 9125 days vs 5364 days, in patients with &lt;10% and &gt;10% BMI loss, respectively (p=0.02, HR=0.20; CI 95% 0.04-0.84) (Figure 1). On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; p&lt;0.02) and WBC count (HR, 1.57; p&lt;0.01), were predictive of OS. Conclusions: A subgroup of PV patients exhibit progressive weight loss. Over 10% BMI reduction is associated with decreased survival, suggesting that "early weight loss" is an independent clinical variable that predicts high risk PV. While a larger study is needed to validate this observation, this small study highlights the role of leukocytosis, advanced age and weight loss in PV. Confirmation of the observations reported here could unveil an important role for pharmacologic and/or dietary interventions to improve survival among high-risk PV patients. Disclosures Rivero: agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


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