Increased white blood cell count and ventricular remodeling

July 22, 2007 by Samantha Pathe

Paris, France: A new study in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that a high white blood cell (WBC) count after admission for acute myocardial infarction(AMI) may be a key biomarker for increased risk of left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between a high WBC count on admission for AMI and an increased risk of recurrent AMI, as well as adverse short and long-term health effects. However, no information has previously linked a high WBC count on admission to an increased risk of LV remodeling.

Patients in the study were part of the Remodelage Ventriculaire (REVE) trial. A total of 107 patients were included in an ongoing echocardiographic study. Echocardiographic studies were performed after 5-15 days, at 3 months, and at one year following AMI. LV remodeling was defined as a >20% increase in end-diastolic volume between baseline and one year. For the 27% of patients with LV remodeling, WBC counts were significantly higher during hospitalization compared to those who did not experience remodeling.

One limitation of the study was the small number of patients that were assessed. Also, the results for selected patients with first anterior AMI might not apply to all patients after AMI. Still, the study suggests WBC count on admission for AMI provides information on possible determinants of LV remodeling.

1.	Bauters A, Ennezat PV, Tricot O, Lallemant R, Aumégeat V, Segrestin B, Quandalle P, Lamblin N, Bauters C, REVE Investigators. Relation of Admission White Blood Cell Count to Left Ventricular Remodeling After Anterior Wall Acute Myocardial Infarction. Am J Cardiol 2007 Jul 15; 100(2): 182-184. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2007.02.077. PII: S0002-9149(07)00702-3 pmid: 17631066 PubMed HubMed