Prognostic value of baseline white blood cell count in patients with acute myocardial infarction and ST segment elevation

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Abstract
We studied a cohort of 515 consecutive patients admitted to our centre with STEMI from October 2000 to February 2003. STEMI was defined based on the criteria established by the American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology. Total WBC-C (× 109/l) was obtained in the emergency department within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. The treatment allocated to each patient, was individualised following established guidelines. The decision for surgical or percutaneous revascularisation was guided by the presence of ominous symptoms, like recurrent angina, severe heart failure, or a positive stress test at discharge. Death for any cause was selected as a main end point and ascertained either during hospitalisation, contacting patient/family by telephone, or by routine clinic visits.