Short Communication Leucocyte Counts in Anaemia

Anaemia, a frequently encountered clinical entity, is commonly overlooked and considered secondary to underlying illness but it alters the length and quality of life. A number of epidemiologic studies have shown a correlation between white blood cell (WBC) counts and ischaemic events. E leva ted l eucocy tes i s cons ide red a r i sk f ac to r fo r ca rd iovascu la r and ischaemic diseases. Since anaemia is associated with hypoxia and ischaemia, it may be possible that it may affect white blood cells (WBCs). The present study is planned to estimate total and differential (TLC and DLC) leucocyte counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte rat io (N/L rat io) and platelet counts in anaemia. Reticulocyte counts (P<0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P<0.001) were h igher in anaemic vs cont ro ls . TLC was ins igni f icant ly higher. On differential count neutrophils (%) (P<0.01) and basophils (%) (P<0.001) were higher , eosinophils and monocytes were less (P< 0.001), wi thou t any a l t e ra t ions in lymphocy te coun t s in anaemic sub jec t s . Poikilocytosis and anisocytosis of RBC is also present in patients of anaemia. Increased N/L ratio (P<0.001) and decreased platelet counts (P<0.05) was observed in cases of anaemia compared to controls. Leucocytes are altered in cases of anaemia.