Relationship between Initial Leukocyte Count and the Extent of Myocardial Injury in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Who Received Reperfusion Therapy

Han, Joungho; Youn, Tae Jin; Hong, Eui Sil; Yoon, Su In; Moon, Ki Won; Kim, Hag Ei; Hahn, Jisook; Kim, Ki Seok; Bae, Jangwhan; Hwang, Kyung Kuk; Kim, Dong Woon; Cho, Myeong Chan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The presence of leukocytosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been reported to be related to the extent of MI and with the prognosis. However, whether the leukocytosis itself is a cause or result of the myocardial injury has not been determined. The relationship between the leukocyte count and the extent of myocardial injury was investigated in patients with AMI that had undergone reperfusion therapy.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Patients with AMI that had undergone thrombolysis (n=60) or primary PCI (n=36) were included. The initial leukocyte counts were analyzed with regard to the peak and initial CK-MB levels. The relationship between leukocytosis and the time elapsed from the onset of symptoms, infarct related coronary arteries and the proximity of the lesions were also investigated.
RESULTS
In both groups, the initial leukocyte count did not show a significant relationship with the initial CK-MB level or the time elapsed from symptoms onset, which could be an indication of the extent of early myocardial injury. Furthermore, no significant relationship was shown with the infarct related coronary artery or proximity of the lesion. However, a relationship was shown with the maximum CK-MB level, which could be an indication of the extent of myocardial injury following reperfusion therapy in both groups (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that the initial leukocyte count in patients with AMI might is an important prognostic factor that determines the extent of myocardial injury following reperfusion therapy, rather than being a simple indicator of the extent of early myocardial injury.