Leukocyte count found to predict Covid severity in older women, study shows

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

A new international study suggests that the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) could be an important factor in predicting serious outcomes of Covid-19 in postmenopausal women.

Even months after the initial Covid-19 infection, caused by the SARs-CoV-2 virus, many people worldwide continue to suffer from ongoing effects. The most common lasting symptoms are cognitive problems and fatigue, with cognitive issues affecting 70% of patients.

Older adults, especially women, are at a higher risk, according to researchers from the U.S. and Singapore. They noted that the long-term effects of Covid significantly impact quality of life and often lead to serious disability. These effects are especially strong in women, who already face higher rates of cognitive decline after menopause, said Dr. Monica Christmas, an expert from The Menopause Society.

The study, led by researchers from Rush University, Harvard Medical School, and Ohio State University, aimed to understand why certain adults — especially older postmenopausal women — are more likely to suffer from severe ongoing Covid symptoms. They focused on whether leukocyte count, a common marker of inflammation, could predict how severe a person’s Covid symptoms might be.

The results, published in the journal Menopause, showed that leukocyte count is a key predictor of Covid severity in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that low-grade inflammation, indicated by the leukocyte count, might not only be a result of Covid severity but could also happen before someone gets Covid.

While more research is needed, the study is promising because leukocyte count is a simple, inexpensive test that could help predict outcomes.

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