Leukocytosis Prevalence according to Smoking among Men

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke exposure accelerates the release of leukocytes from the bone marrow, which is postulated to be mediated by inflammatory cytokines and haematopoietic growth factors released from the lung. METHODS: The study population consisted of 2,270 healthy men above 20 years of age who had visited a health promotion center in a university hospital from January 2005 to December 2005. Baseline health check, self- reported cigarette smoking habit and blood sample were evaluated. The mean count of leukocytes and the leukocytosis prevalence according to smoking amounts were investigated. RESULTS: As the daily smoking amount was increased and as pack years smoked was increased, the mean total WBC count values and the prevalence of leukocytosis were higher (P=0.000). The odds ratio (OR) for leukocytosis according to daily smoking amount compared to no smokers was 1.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01~3.88) in those who smoked 1/2~1 pack per day and 4.17 (95% CI 1.83~9.48) in those who smoked more than 1 pack per day. The OR for leukocytosis according to smoking pack years compared to no smokers was 2.58 (95% CI 1.22~5.42) in those who smoked 20~30 pack years, 3.31 (95% CI 1.38~7.93) in those who smoked 30~40 pack years and 5.17 (95% CI 2.00~13.32) in those who smoked more than 40 pack years. CONCLUSION: The mean count of leukocytes and the prevalence of leukocytosis were higher in current smokers than no smokers and ex-smokers.