Objective: White blood cells (WBCs) play a major role in inflammation, with effects on the vascular wall, the microvascular blood flow, and endothelial cells and endothelial function. Previous studies have shown that a high WBC count may increase the risk of cardiovascular complication rate and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between preoperative WBC count and the post-CABG clinical outcome.
Methods: A retrospective study that was based on 239 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our medical center. Statistical analysis estimated the effect of WBC count in postoperative clinical outcomes, including atrial fibrillation, length of stay, readmission rate, and death.
Results: The preoperative WBC count was associated with longer hospitalization length (B = 0.392, P < 0.01). A preoperative WBC count >8150/μL predicted a longer stay (Z = 2.090, P = 0.03). A low lymphocyte count was associated with atrial fibrillation (B = -0.543, P = 0.03). Female patients were older (Z = 2.920, P < 0.01), had impaired renal function (Z = -3.340, P < 0.01), and had a higher rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation (df 2 = 3.780, P = 0.05) and readmission (df 2 = 5.320, P = 0.02).
Conclusions: Preoperative WBC count may have an effect on the postoperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing CABG. Surgeons should pay more attention to patients' WBC count and sex and plan surgery and postoperative management accordingly.