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Published on: September 12, 2016
White blood cell count profiles in multiple sclerosis during attacks before the initiation of acute and chronic
Tetsuya Akaishi1,2, Tatsuro Misu3, Kazuo Fujihara4
1Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan. t-akaishi@med.tohoku.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major demyelinating disease of the central nervous system; however, its exact mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the profile of white blood cells (WBCs) in the acute phase of an MS attack. Sixty-four patients with MS at the time of diagnosis and 2492 age- and sex-adjusted healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Data regarding the blood cell counts were compared between the groups. The total WBC (p < 0.0001), monocyte (p < 0.0001), basophil (p = 0.0027), and neutrophil (p < 0.0001) counts were higher in the MS group than in the HC group, whereas the lymphocyte and eosinophil counts did not differ. Adjustments for the smoking status and body mass index yielded the same results. The total and differential WBC counts of the patients with MS did not correlate with the counts of T2 hyperintense brain lesions or the levels of neurological disturbance. In summary, patients with MS showed elevated counts of total WBCs, monocytes, basophils, and neutrophils at the time of diagnosis. However, the clinical relevance of these biomarkers in the context of the development and progression of MS remains unclear.
Insights
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, including monocytes, basophils, and neutrophils, during acute attacks. The clinical significance of these elevated WBCs in MS development and progression requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease with unknown exact mechanisms.
- Understanding the immune system's role is crucial for MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the white blood cell (WBC) profile in patients experiencing an acute attack of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To compare WBC counts in MS patients with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing blood cell counts.
- Inclusion of 64 MS patients at diagnosis and 2492 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis of total and differential WBC counts, adjusted for smoking status and BMI.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated total WBC, monocyte, basophil, and neutrophil counts in MS patients compared to HCs (p < 0.0001 for total WBC, monocytes, neutrophils; p = 0.0027 for basophils).
- No significant difference in lymphocyte and eosinophil counts between groups.
- No correlation found between WBC counts and T2 hyperintense brain lesions or neurological disturbance severity.
Conclusions:
- MS patients exhibit higher counts of total WBCs, monocytes, basophils, and neutrophils during acute attacks at diagnosis.
- The clinical relevance of these observed WBC count elevations in MS pathogenesis and progression remains undetermined.
