Leucocyte counts in anaemia

Anaemia, a frequently encountered clinical entity, is commonly overlooked and considered secondary to underlying illness but it alters the length and quality of life. A number of epidemiologic studies have shown a correlation between white blood cell (WBC) counts and ischaemic events. Elevated leucocytes is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular and ischaemic diseases. Since anaemia is associated with hypoxia and ischaemia, it may be possible that it may affect white blood cells (WBCs). The present study is planned to estimate total and differential (TLC and DLC) leucocyte counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) and platelet counts in anaemia. Reticulocyte counts (P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.001) were higher in anaemic vs controls. TLC was insignificantly higher. On differential count neutrophils (%) (P < 0.01) and basophils (%) (P < 0.001) were higher, eosinophils and monocytes were less (P < 0.001), without any alterations in lymphocyte counts in anaemic subjects. Poikilocytosis and anisocytosis of RBC is also present in patients of anaemia. Increased N/L ratio (P < 0.001) and decreased platelet counts (P < 0.05) was observed in cases of anaemia compared to controls. Leucocytes are altered in cases of anaemia.