Biology and Medicine

Abstract

The Relationship between Leukocyte Counts and Venous Thromboembolism: Results from RETROVE Study

Noelia Vilalta, Miquel Vázquez-Santiago, Biel Cuevas, Raquel Macho, Angel Remacha, Marina Carrasco, José Mateo, Juan Millón, José Manuel Soria and Juan Carlos Souto

Introduction: Different studies have shown a possible increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis in patients with an increased leukocyte count. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood, but they could partly be explained by the role that white blood cells play in inflammation. Our objective is to investigate investigated the relationship between leukocyte counts and VTE. Material and methods: Analyses were performed in 400 patients and 400 control subjects of the RETROVE (Riesgo de Enfermedad TROmboembólica VEnosa) Study. To evaluate the odds ratio (OR) for VTE of leukocyte counts we used an unconditional logistic regression analysis taking into account the confounders. Results: We observed more spontaneous (273, 68.3%) than non–spontaneous (127, 31.8%) VTE. Monocyte counts showed a strong association with thrombosis risk: For the 90th percentile in the controls (>0.7 × 109/L), the OR of VTE and its 95% confidence intervals are 2.1 (1.4-3.3). A highly significant relation between high monocyte counts and spontaneous VTE was found. Conclusion: We confirmed a strong association between high monocyte counts and past VTE. High monocyte counts (even within the clinical reference range) could constitute a risk factor for VTE.