The role of leukocyte counts in patients with unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction; prognostic significance and correlation with plasma brain natriuretic peptide (bnp) levels

Objective: To study the role of leukocyte count in patients with unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction (Acute Coronary Syndrome) its prognostic significance and correlation with plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.Methods: A total of 143 Patients with unstable angina pectoris, non-ST segment elevation MI and ST segment elevation MI were considered for entry into the study. Plasma BNP levels were measured using a commercial BNP kit (AxSym System BNP Reagent Pack, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA). Leukocyte count was measured on CELL DYNE counter of Abbott Laboratories.Results: Mean age of the patients were 58.67±12.48 years. Mean leukocyte count was 9772±3006 /cumm. In all 43 (30 %) patients had high leukocyte count, and 82 (57%) patients had elevated BNP level. Out of 61 patients with normal BNP level, 49 (80%) had normal leukocyte count and 12 (20%) had elevated leukocyte count. Out of 82 patients with elevated BNP level, 51 (62%) had normal leukocyte count and 31 (38%) had elevated leukocyte count (P = 0.01).Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between Leukocyte count and ACS. Although there is a trend of increased Leukocyte count noted in patients with increase BNP level. This finding necessitates further studies to elucidate its accurate significance.