Leukocytosis and clinical outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of leukocytosis and its prognostic value for the course and outcome of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation. Material and Methods. The study included 245 patients aged 61,2 years, who were on treatment at the Department of Emergency Cardiology with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation. Results. Leukocytosis (white blood cell levels of more than 10*109/L) was observed in 34,7% of patients. The presence of leukocytosis was associated with increased incidence of congestive heart failure class IV at Killip, ventricular fibrillation and lethal outcomes during hospitalization. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events in the long-term period between the patients with leukocytosis and with normal level of white blood cells. Conclusion. Increased levels of white blood cells (more than 10*109/L) in patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation is associated with a significantly increase relative risk of cardiogenic shock (Odds ratio 5,2, 95% Cl, 1,7-15,8, p=0.001), ventricular fibrillation (Odds ratio 8,5, 95% Cl, 1,9-38,3, p=0.001) and death during hospitalization (Odds ratio 2,47, 95% Cl, 1,87-38,4, p=0,03). The level of white blood cells on admission to hospital may be used as one of the additional factors predicting the risk of patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation during hospitalization.

Keywords

• high coronary risk
• leukocytes
• myocardial infarction