Peripheral differential leukocyte counts and subsequent mortality from all diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases in Taiwanese
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
102
Journal Issue
11
Pages
775-781
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: A higher total leukocyte count has been reported to predict all-cause mortality in men, but data are limited for this relation in women and for the relation between differential leukocyte counts and all-cause mortality in both men and women. This study was designed to analyze these relationships in Taiwanese. Methods: A total of 8447 subjects were enrolled from participants in a physical check-up program at National Taiwan University Hospital from 1995 to 1997. Information on mortality was obtained from a national mortality databank that was updated to the end of 2001. Data were analyzed by Student's t test and Cox regression analysis. Results: Among the 245 deaths, 88 were due to cancer and 62 were due to cardiovascular disease. Cox regression analysis revealed an inverse association between lymphocyte count and all-cause mortality in the study group as a whole (all subjects, p<0.01, hazard ratio = 0.73). This inverse association was mainly due to an inverse association between lymphocyte count and cancer mortality (p<0.05, hazard ratio = 0.64), especially the mortality from hepatoma (p = 0.010, hazard ratio = 0.29). The latter hazard ratio of 0.29 indicates that, in all subjects, every decrease of 1.0 × 109/L in lymphocyte count increased the risk of mortality from hepatoma by 3.45-fold during an average follow-up period of 65.5 months. There was a positive association between total leukocyte count and all-cause mortality in men (p < 0.05, hazard ratio = 1.10), mainly due to both the neutrophil and monocyte counts having positive associations with the cardiovascular mortality (both p < 0.05, hazard ratio = 1.23 and 1.22, respectively. The latter hazard ratio of 1.22 indicates that, in men, every increased of 0.1 × 109/L in monocyte count increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality by 1.22-fold. Conclusions: In Taiwanese adults of both genders, a lower lymphocyte counts is associated with cancer mortality, especially mortality from hepatoma. In Taiwanese men, higher neutrophil and monocyte counts are associated with cardiovascular mortality.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; cancer; cancer mortality; cancer risk; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular risk; cause of death; controlled study; data analysis; disease association; female; follow up; human; leukocyte differential count; liver cell carcinoma; major clinical study; male; monocyte; neutrophil; physical examination; prediction; regression analysis; risk factor; sex difference; Student t test; Taiwan; university hospital; adolescent; leukocyte count; middle aged; mortality; neoplasm; proportional hazards model; retrospective study; Taiwan; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Middle Aged; Mortality; Neoplasms; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Taiwan
Type
journal article