White Blood Cells and Severe COVID-19: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Increasing evidence shows that white blood cells are associated with the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the direction and causality of this association are not clear. To evaluate the causal associations between various white blood cell traits and the COVID-19 susceptibility and severity, we conducted two-sample bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses with summary statistics from the largest and most recent genome-wide association studies. Our MR results indicated causal protective effects of higher basophil count, basophil percentage of white blood cells, and myeloid white blood cell count on severe COVID-19, with odds ratios (OR) per standard deviation increment of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60–0.95), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.54–0.92), and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.73–0.98), respectively. Neither COVID-19 severity nor susceptibility was associated with white blood cell traits in our reverse MR results. Genetically predicted high basophil count, basophil percentage of white blood cells, and myeloid white blood cell count are associated with a lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Individuals with a lower genetic capacity for basophils are likely at risk, while enhancing the production of basophils may be an effective therapeutic strategy.

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White blood cells and severe COVID-19: a Mendelian randomization study

10.1101/2020.10.14.20212993 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yitang Sun ◽

Jingqi Zhou ◽

Kaixiong Ye

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Mendelian Randomization ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Causal Effects ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Granulocyte Count

AbstractBackgroundThe pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly emerged to seriously threaten public health. We aimed to investigate whether white blood cell traits have potential causal effects on severe COVID-19 using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsTo evaluate the causal associations between various white blood cell traits and severe COVID-19, we conducted a two-sample MR analysis with summary statistics from recent large genome-wide association studies.ResultsOur MR results indicated potential causal associations of white blood cell count, myeloid white blood cell count, and granulocyte count with severe COVID-19, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72-0.98), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70-0.94), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71-0.99), respectively. Increasing eosinophil percentage of white blood cells was associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.45).ConclusionsOur results suggest the potential causal effects of lower white blood cell count, lower myeloid white blood cell count, lower granulocyte count, and higher eosinophil percentage of white blood cells on an increased risk of severe COVID-19.

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Analysis of Platelet-Rich Plasma Extraction

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967116675272 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 232596711667527 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

Jane Fitzpatrick ◽

Max K. Bulsara ◽

Paul Robert McCrory ◽

Martin D. Richardson ◽

Ming Hao Zheng

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

High Concentrations

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been extensively used as a treatment in tissue healing in tendinopathy, muscle injury, and osteoarthritis. However, there is variation in methods of extraction, and this produces different types of PRP. Purpose: To determine the composition of PRP obtained from 4 commercial separation kits, which would allow assessment of current classification systems used in cross-study comparisons. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Three normal adults each donated 181 mL of whole blood, some of which served as a control and the remainder of which was processed through 4 PRP separation kits: GPS III (Biomet Biologics), Smart-Prep2 (Harvest Terumo), Magellan (Arteriocyte Medical Systems), and ACP (Device Technologies). The resultant PRP was tested for platelet count, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count, including differential in a commercial pathology laboratory. Glucose and pH measurements were obtained from a blood gas autoanalyzer machine. Results: Three kits taking samples from the “buffy coat layer” were found to have greater concentrations of platelets (3-6 times baseline), while 1 kit taking samples from plasma was found to have platelet concentrations of only 1.5 times baseline. The same 3 kits produced an increased concentration of white blood cells (3-6 times baseline); these consisted of neutrophils, leukocytes, and monocytes. This represents high concentrations of platelets and white blood cells. A small drop in pH was thought to relate to the citrate used in the sample preparation. Interestingly, an unexpected increase in glucose concentrations, with 3 to 6 times greater than baseline levels, was found in all samples. Conclusion: This study reveals the variation of blood components, including platelets, red blood cells, leukocytes, pH, and glucose in PRP extractions. The high concentrations of cells are important, as the white blood cell count in PRP samples has frequently been ignored, being considered insignificant. The lack of standardization of PRP preparation for clinical use has contributed at least in part to the varying clinical efficacy in PRP use. Clinical Relevance: The variation of platelet and other blood component concentrations between commercial PRP kits may affect clinical treatment outcomes. There is a need for standardization of PRP for clinical use.

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White Blood Cell Count and Haematocrit as Predictors of Coronary Recurrence after Myocardial Infarction

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1660101 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 54 (03) ◽

pp. 700-703 ◽

Cited By ~ 79

Author(s):

G D O Lowe ◽

S G Machado ◽

W F Krol ◽

B A Barton ◽

C D Forbes

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Relative Risk ◽

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Total Mortality ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Coronary Events

SummaryBaseline white blood cell count (WCC) and haematocrit were examined in relation to recurrent coronary events and to all-cause mortality in 2026 persons enrolled in the first Persantin-Aspirin Reinfarction Study (PARIS-1) 2-60 months after myocardial infarction. WCC was strongly related to coronary recurrence (relative risk 3.5 for men with WCC ≥ 9 × 109/1 vs men with WCC < 5 × 109/1) and total mortality (relative risk 2.6). No such relationships were found for haematocrit. WCC correlated also with cigarette-smoking, diuretic use, serum cholesterol and uric acid; however, the associations with coronary recurrence and total mortality persisted on multiple linear and logistic regression analysis including these variables and treatment group (p <0.001). WCC is therefore an easily-measured prognostic variable in survivors of myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we suggest that white blood cells may promote myocardial ischaemia by capillary plugging and/or release of toxic oxygen metabolites.

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Leukoreduction in ex vivo perfusion circuits: comparison of leukocyte depletion efficiency with leukocyte filters

Perfusion ◽

10.1177/0267659120917872 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (8) ◽

pp. 853-860

Author(s):

Vahe Fahradyan ◽

Michael J Annunziata ◽

Sayf Said ◽

Maya Rao ◽

Hirsh Shah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Ex Vivo Perfusion ◽

Filter Group

Background: Leukodepletion of whole blood-based perfusates remains a challenge in experimental models of ex vivo perfusion. This study investigated the leukoreduction efficacy of the commonly used LeukoGuard LG Arterial and BC2 Cardioplegia filters. Methods: Eleven liters of washed porcine blood was used to evaluate the filtration efficiency of LG (n = 6) and BC2 (n = 5) filters. Filter efficacy was tested by passing 1 L of washed blood through each filter. Complete blood count was performed to detect a reduction of white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin concentration. Results: The BC2 Cardioplegia filter showed a significant reduction in white blood cell count (13.16 ± 4.2 × 103 cells/μL pre-filtration, 0.62 ± 0.61 cells/μL post-filtration, p = 0.005), red blood cell count (9.18 ± 0.16 × 106 cells/μL pre-filtration, 9.02 ± 0.16 × 106 cells/μL post-filtration, p = 0.012) and hemoglobin concentration (15.89 ± 0.66 g/dL pre-filtration, 15.67 ± 0.83 g/dL post-filtration, p = 0.017). Platelet reduction in the LG filter group was statistically significant (13.23 ± 13.98 × 103 cells/μL pre-filtration, 7.15 ± 3.31 × 103 cells/μL post-filtration, p = 0.029), but no difference was seen in the BC2 group. There was no significant difference in white blood cell count in the LG filter group (10.12 ± 3.0 × 103 cells/μL pre-filtration, 10.32 ± 2.44 × 103 cells/μL post-filtration, p = 0.861). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the LG filter should not be used in ex vivo perfusion circuits for the purpose of leukodepletion. The BC2 filter can be used in EVP circuits with flow rates of less than 350 mL/min. Alternatively, perfusate may be leukodepleted before perfusion.

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Effect of repeated whole-body x-irradiation on peripheral white blood cell count of rabbits

American Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content ◽

10.1152/ajplegacy.1959.197.3.568 ◽

1959 ◽

Vol 197 (3) ◽

pp. 568-570

Author(s):

Herbert B. Gerstner ◽

Harry A. Gorman

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Whole Body ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Significant Difference ◽

X Irradiation ◽

Radiation Induced

Six groups of rabbits received whole-body x-irradiation of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 r, respectively. Counts of total white blood cells were performed regularly until 11 weeks post exposure when radiation-induced leucopenia had disappeared in all groups. At that time, the animals were re-exposed to the same doses and white cells were once more counted throughout 11 weeks. Then followed a third application of the same doses with subsequent observation of white counts. Statistical analysis of data yielded the following results: in the three exposures, radiation-induced leucopenia showed no significant difference with respect to rate of development, maximal degree and rate of disappearance. Therefore, as judged by the white blood cell count, susceptibility to ionizing radiation appeared unaltered by previous exposure to appreciable doses when the interval between exposures was sufficiently long to permit complete hematopoietic recovery.

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DYNAMICS OF WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT INDEXES AS REFLECTION OF THE CHANGING CONDITION OF ADAPTATION DURING GROWTH OF HEALTHY CHILDREN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

ЗДОРОВЬЕ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ И СРЕДА ОБИТАНИЯ - ЗНиСО / PUBLIC HEALTH AND LIFE ENVIRONMENT ◽

10.35627/2219-5238-2018-299-2-20-24 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 20-24

Author(s):

G.V. Chernova ◽

E.V. Dykova ◽

V.V. Sidorov ◽

M.A. Timofeeva ◽

L.V. Shiryaeva

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

First Year ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Biometric Analysis ◽

First Year Of Life

There were conducted biometric studies and quantitative assessment of variability of indexes of white blood cell count of healthy children of the first year of life (data of the biometric analysis are presented in graphic form). It was revealed that the total number of white blood cells in 78,7 % cases was determined genetically, defining differences in variability of indexes at boys and girls. At the same time cells of a granulocytes row expressed such feature only in 12,2 % of cases. Change in the content of granulocyte row cells in the peripheral blood of children of the first year of life in the conditions of the non-ionizing radiation of natural origin demonstrates the formation of a response of adaptation system components. The data on dynamics of the relations of granulocytes and lymphocytes (indexes) obtained by authors have a theoretical and applied significance for development of criteria for evaluation the functional condition of adaptation system and health of children.

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Telomere shortening in peripheral blood cells was related with aging but not with white blood cell count

The Japanese Journal of Human Genetics ◽

10.1007/bf01876332 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 413-417 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Hiroe Satoh ◽

Keiko Hiyama ◽

Masahiro Takeda ◽

Yukikazu Awaya ◽

Kenichiro Watanabe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Peripheral Blood Cells ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Telomere Shortening

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Agranulocytosis Induced by Vancomycin or Ticarcillin/Clavulanate

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/106002809703101109 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 31 (11) ◽

pp. 1321-1324 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Delbert L Mandl ◽

Mark W Garrison ◽

Samuel D Palpant

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Cell Counts ◽

Long Term Treatment ◽

Term Administration

OBJECTIVE: To reacquaint clinicians with a reportedly rare adverse event of agranulocytosis occurring after long-term administration of vancomycin and ticarcillin/clavulanate, with a subsequent review of other reported cases in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old white woman with spina bifida developed agranulocytosis (2.7 × 103/mm3 white blood cells with only 3% polymorphonuclear leukocytes and no reported eosinophils or basophils) after long-term administration of vancomycin and ticarcillin/clavulanate for decubitus ulcers and chronic osteomyelitis. Consequently, the cell counts rebounded rapidly on discontinuation of both medications and returned to normal within 1 week. DISCUSSION: The incidence of vancomycin-associated neutropenia is presumably rare, but the increased use of vancomycin may disclose a more frequent occurrence. It is suggested that the mechanism for the reaction is immunologically mediated, yet this remains unclear. Although it is difficult to determine the causative agent in this case, vancomycin was most suspect clinically. Ticarcillin/clavulanate is less likely because our patient has since been readmitted and treated with oxacillin, imipenem/cilastatin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate without affecting the white blood cell count. In that regard, it could be reasoned that an immunologic reaction to ticarcillin would have resulted in a similar outcome with other penicillins. CONCLUSIONS: This case serves as a reminder to clinicians that patients receiving long-term treatment with vancomycin should have their white blood cell count monitored at least weekly.

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Clinical characteristics and reasons of different duration from onset to release from quarantine for patients with COVID-19 Outside Hubei province, China

10.1101/2020.03.21.20038778 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Suochen Tian ◽

Zhenqin Chang ◽

Yunxia Wang ◽

Min Wu ◽

Wenming Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Lymphocyte Count ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Hubei Province ◽

Chest Ct ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

AbstractObjectiveTo find out more characteristics and rules of COVID-19 by analyzing the clinical course of COVID-19 patients in a region outside Hubei province.Methods37 cases diagnosed adult COVID-19 cases of general characteristics, history of epidemiology, chronic underlying diseases, clinical symptoms and complications, chest CT, biochemical monitoring, severity assessment, treatment and outcome were retrospectively analyzed, and according to the duration from onset to release from quarantine were divided into ≤20 -day group and > 20 -day group, compare the similarities and differences between the two groups.ResultsAmong the 37 patients, 5 were mild, 30 were moderate, 1 was severe and 1 was critical. All the patients were released from quarantine without death. The average duration from onset to release from quarantine was 20.2±6.6 days, The average length of stay from onset to hospitalization was 4.1±3.7 days, and hospitalization duration average 16.1 ±6.2 days. The average age was 44.3±1.67 years. 78.4% of cases were caused by exposure to a confirmed patient or the workplace of a confirmed patient. The main symptoms were cough (67.6%), fever (62.2%), shortness of breath (32.4%), fatigue (24.3%), sore throat (21.6%,) vomiting or diarrhea (21.6%). The white blood cell count was decreased in 27.0% of the patients, and the lymphocyte count was decreased in 62.2% of the patients, of which 43.5% patients were ≤0.6×109/L. On admission, 86.5% of patients with chest CT showed pneumonia, including some asymptomatic patients. 68.8% of patients showed bilateral infiltration. In the > 20-day group, the average age was 49.9±1.38 years old, and the duration from onset to hospitalization was 5.5±3.9 days. Compared with the ≤ 20-day group, the age was older and duration was longer, P < 0.05. All the 7 asymptomatic patients were ≤20 –day group. When 37 patients were released from quarantine, the white blood cell count of 16.2% patients was < 4.0×109/L, and the lymphocyte count of 59.5% patients was <1.1×109/L, and the absolute count of white blood cells and lymphocytes was 5.02±1.3 4×109/L and 1.03±0.34×109/L respectively, compared with those on admission, P > 0.05.ConclusionThe majority of COVID-19 cases in the study area were mild and moderate, with good clinical outcomes. There were some special characteristics in the clinical process. The reasons of duration from onset to release from quarantine were complex. There was no significant change in the number of granulocytes at the time of release from quarantine compared to the time of admission.

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