It’s a shocking discovery.
A recent study suggests that a simple blood test measuring white blood cell levels, specifically leukocytes, could help identify individuals at risk for developing long COVID. Researchers found that higher leukocyte counts were linked to more severe long COVID symptoms in older women. The study, led by Ted Ng from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, indicates that leukocyte count, a well-established and inexpensive marker of inflammation, could serve as an independent predictor of the severity of long COVID in postmenopausal women.
The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,200 women who participated in a COVID-19 study between June 2021 and February 2022. Among the participants, 36% reported experiencing long COVID symptoms such as memory issues, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, 75% of these women had two or more symptoms, with those having higher leukocyte counts experiencing more severe manifestations.
The researchers’ findings align with previous evidence suggesting that elevated levels of inflammation during or after a COVID-19 infection could be linked to the intensity and persistence of long COVID symptoms. One theory is that inflammation from the initial infection might cause lasting damage to tissues and organs, contributing to ongoing symptoms. However, the study also proposed that pre-existing low-level inflammation in these women could have exacerbated the effects of the infection, leading to more severe outcomes.
The study calls for further research to explore the relationship between inflammation, white blood cell counts, and long COVID risk. Dr. Monica Christmas from The Menopause Society emphasized the significant impact long COVID can have on quality of life, particularly for women, who are already at a higher risk for cognitive impairments post-menopause. Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to long COVID could help develop better strategies to manage and reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Discussion about this post