According to a new study, white blood cell (WBC) count, or leukocyte count, may be employed to forecast the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, particularly in postmenopausal women. The study, employing data from the Women's Health Initiative, identifies systemic inflammation as a primary driver that decides long-term COVID-19 consequences.

Key Points:
White Blood Cell Count as Severity Predictor:

• Scientists found that higher leukocyte count is an independent predictor of COVID-19 symptom severity, particularly in older women.

• The current study is an extension of previous research that linked low-grade inflammation to COVID-19 outcomes.

Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19:

• Millions of people continue to endure post-COVID symptoms, the most prevalent of which are cognitive impairment and fatigue.

• 70% of COVID-19 survivors experience cognitive impairment, and older people and postmenopausal women are at increased risk.

COVID-19's Impact Beyond Respiratory Symptoms:

• COVID-19, while a respiratory infection, has long-term implications on different organ systems.

• Previous studies have attributed overactive immune responses to severe post-COVID symptoms.

Study Findings and Implications:

• The study reiterates that chronic inflammation is a pre-driver of pre-existing conditions and post-COVID outcomes.

• Detection of these risk factors can improve early detection and treatment of at-risk patients.

Quotes from Researchers:
Dr. Monica Christmas, Associate Medical Director, The Menopause Society:
"By uncovering underlying causes like inflammation, we can more effectively tackle the post-COVID symptom challenges and work towards avoiding long-term effects, particularly in postmenopausal women who are already at higher risk of cognitive impairment."This study introduces novel evidence regarding the pre-inflammatory state of blood, quantified as white blood cell count, that may modulate the severity of COVID-19 in elderly women. Additional studies may allow interventions to be used to avert long-term COVID-19 complications in high-risk populations.