Sustained leukocyte count during rising cortisol level.

AIMS To follow the trend of leukocyte counts relative to the serum cortisol levels in hospitalized patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 59 hospitalized patients who had sequential blood profiles during a 2-week period. RESULTS The study cohort was divided into two subgroups according to the categorical cortisol levels: those within the normal range (< 25 microg/dl; n = 31 patients) and those above the normal range (> or = 25 microg/dl; n = 28 patients). The baseline white blood cell counts (WBCCs) were similar in both groups. After 1 week, however, the WBCCs dropped significantly in the presence of normal cortisol levels and increased in the presence of elevated cortisol levels (p = 0.002). This pattern was not followed by the platelet counts. A significant correlation was observed between the cortisol levels and the 1 week concomitant WBCC (r = 0.33). CONCLUSION Cortisol may be the mechanism with a positive effect on the maintenance of elevated leukocyte counts.