White cells count in smokers affected by rheumatic diseases

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers
• Tobacco Smoking Impact

Background:

• Tobacco smoking is associated with rheumatic disease development.
• Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) in smokers is a recognized cardiovascular risk biomarker.
• The study investigates leukocytosis as a biomarker in rheumatic patients who smoke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate white blood cell count as a cardiovascular risk biomarker in smokers with rheumatic diseases.
• To explore the relationship between smoking, rheumatic diagnoses, and leukocytosis.
• To assess gender distribution differences in smoking habits among rheumatic patients.

Main Methods:

• An observational study included 115 rheumatic outpatients (56 smokers, 59 non-smokers).
• Patients were categorized by smoking status and rheumatic diagnosis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Clinical parameters, including white blood cell count, were collected and compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Smokers constituted 48.69% of the total sample.
• Osteoarthritis patients who smoked showed a significant increase in white blood cell count compared to non-smokers (P < 0.05).
• No significant clinical differences were found between rheumatoid arthritis smokers and non-smokers, though treatment adherence varied.

Conclusions:

• Smoking may influence the development and gender distribution of rheumatic diseases.
• Leukocytosis, a cardiovascular risk biomarker, is observed in osteoarthritis smokers, particularly those not undergoing pharmacological treatment.
• Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms linking smoking, rheumatic diseases, and cardiovascular risk.