A recent study has identified leukocyte count as a predictor of severe COVID-19 symptoms, offering new hope for identifying and managing at-risk individuals.
The fight against COVID-19 continues to evolve, and a new study offers a beacon of hope for identifying those most at risk of severe symptoms. Published in the journal Menopause, the research suggests that a simple, widely available clinical marker — leukocyte (white blood cell) count — could predict the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
The study’s findings are especially significant for older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, who are among the most vulnerable to the virus’s long-term effects. Millions worldwide are still grappling with lingering symptoms of COVID-19, ranging from cognitive impairment to debilitating fatigue.
The researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Women’s Health Initiative to better understand which preexisting factors might make certain adults more susceptible to severe, ongoing symptoms.
They found that leukocyte count is an independent predictor of COVID-19 symptom severity in postmenopausal women. This discovery is vital because leukocyte count, a marker of systemic inflammation, is both easily accessible and inexpensive to obtain.
“As the authors highlight, post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 infection significantly affects quality of life, often leading to severe disability. This effect is particularly pronounced in women, who already experience higher rates of cognitive impairment after menopause. By understanding underlying factors, we can better address these challenges and work to mitigate the cascade of symptoms that follow,” Monica Christmas, an associate medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a news release.
The implications of this study are vast. Since leukocyte count is a measurable and inexpensive marker, it could become a critical tool for health care providers to identify and manage at-risk individuals more effectively. Although further research is required, this milestone marks a significant step toward better understanding and treating the lingering impacts of COVID-19.