Synopsis
A study highlights that a count of white blood cells may be a key indicator of severe Covid-19 outcomes in postmenopausal women. This research emphasizes the need for understanding pre-existing risk factors to mitigate long-term symptoms.Key Takeaways
- Leukocyte count may indicate severe Covid-19 outcomes.
- Older women, especially postmenopausal, are at higher risk.
- Cognitive impairment affects a large percentage of patients.
- Low-grade inflammation is linked to Covid severity.
- The study focuses on easily accessible clinical markers.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) A count of white blood cells (leukocytes) could serve as a significant marker for assessing severe outcomes of Covid-19 in postmenopausal women, according to a recent global study released on Wednesday.
Even months after the initial Covid diagnosis -- caused by the SARs-CoV-2 virus -- millions worldwide continue to experience its lingering effects.
Cognitive impairment and extreme fatigue are the most prevalent ongoing symptoms, impacting 70 percent of patients.
The research team from the US and Singapore noted that older adults, particularly women, face the highest risk. “Post-acute sequelae of Covid infection greatly diminish quality of life, often resulting in serious disability.
This impact is especially significant in women, who tend to experience higher levels of cognitive impairment post-menopause,” explained Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society.
“By comprehending the underlying factors, we can more effectively tackle these challenges and work to alleviate the cascade of symptoms that follow,” she added.
The study, spearheaded by scholars from Rush University, Harvard Medical School, and Ohio State University, seeks to enhance understanding of pre-existing risk factors that may render certain adults -- particularly older postmenopausal women -- more susceptible to severe ongoing symptoms.
In particular, they investigated whether leukocyte count (a commonly available clinical marker of systemic inflammation) correlated with Covid disease outcomes.
The findings, which are now published in the journal Menopause, indicate that leukocyte count serves as an independent predictor of Covid symptom severity in postmenopausal women.
This research adds to the evidence that low-grade inflammation is not only a consequence of Covid symptom severity but may also occur prior to acute Covid infection.
While further studies are needed, the preliminary results are promising since leukocyte count is a readily accessible and cost-effective clinical marker, according to the research team.
