What does this research mean for the field?

An elevated total leukocyte count is a strong predictor of future myocardial infarction, conferring a risk increase comparable to that of cholesterol and blood pressure, although approximately two-thirds of this relationship is associated with cigarette smoking. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to determine if leukocyte count can predict the occurrence of a myocardial infarction.

June 6, 1974New England Journal of Medicine

The Leukocyte Count as a Predictor of Myocardial Infarction

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Why the study?

Does a higher total leukocyte count predict the development of a first myocardial infarction?

Population

464 persons who later developed a first myocardial infarction

Comparison

Total leukocyte count (exposure) vs Two control groups: ordinary controls matched…

Design

Case-control

Follow-up

Average 16.8 months before myocardial infarction

Authors

GFGary FriedmanDrexel University AKArthur L. KlatskyKaiser Permanente ASA B SiegelaubKaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center

Discussion

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Implication

Leukocyte count should not yet inform MI risk assessment; leaves open its incremental value beyond cholesterol and blood pressure.

Key Points

The study aims to determine if leukocyte count can predict the occurrence of a myocardial infarction.
Compared leukocyte counts of 464 individuals who later had a myocardial infarction with two control groups.
One control group matched for age, sex, and race; the other matched for coronary risk factors.
Leukocyte counts measured approximately 16.8 months before the myocardial infarction.
Mean leukocyte count was significantly higher in myocardial infarction cases than in both control groups (p<0.001).
Increased risk of myocardial infarction was similar across leukocyte count quartiles when compared with cholesterol and blood pressure.
Cigarette smoking accounted for about two-thirds of the leukocyte-infarction relationship.

Structured PICO

Does a higher total leukocyte count predict the development of a first myocardial infarction?

Population

464 persons who later developed a first myocardial infarction

Intervention

Total leukocyte count (exposure)

Comparator

Two control groups: ordinary controls matched for age, sex, and race, and risk controls matched additionally for standard coronary risk factors

Outcome

Development of first myocardial infarctionhard clinical

An elevated total leukocyte count is a significant predictor of first myocardial infarction, with a risk magnitude comparable to traditional risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Cite This Study

Friedman et al. (1974) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a125ed78edbaba0bf67224a https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm197406062902302

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The Leukocyte Count as a Predictor of Myocardial Infarction

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Structured PICO

Cite This Study

The Leukocyte Count as a Predictor of Myocardial Infarction

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Structured PICO

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider