Metabolic Syndrome, Total and Differential White Blood Cell Counts in Patients with Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies suggest existence of association between total white blood cell (WBC) count and metabolic syndrome (MS) in general population. Aim of this study was to determine the value of total and differential WBC counts and their association with MS in patients suffering from schizophrenia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 subjects in the study group and 100 healthy subjects in control group. MS diagnosis was made according to ATP III criteria, which was the basis for dividing the study and control group into subgroups with regard to MS diagnosis. From blood samples of all subjects total and differential WBC counts were determined.

RESULTS: Schizophrenic subjects with MS had significantly higher total WBC count, as well as neutrophil and monocyte count, when compared with both control subgroups. Total WBC and neutrophil count correlated positively with glucose concentration and MS prevalence and negatively with HDL concentration.

CONCLUSION: Total WBC and neutrophil count might have an important role in forecasting MS development in patients with schizophrenia.