International Journal of Innovation and Development

Leukocytosis in Association with Diabetic Nephropathy among a Diabetic Population in Kumasi, Ghana

Helen Owusu-Asante

Kumasi Technical University

W.K.B.A Owiredu

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Keywords: Diabetic Nephropathy, White Blood cells, Leucocytosis, Glomerular Filtration Rate

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Abstract

Several studies have suggested that White Blood Cells (WBC) play a role in the development and progression of the complications of diabetes, and a raised WBC count, even within the normal range, has been associated with the development of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the relationship, if any, between WBC count and diabetic nephropathy in a Ghanaian diabetic population. 153 diabetics were recruited by simple random sampling. 52 (33.99%) were normoalbuminuric (controls), and 101 (66.01%) had microalbuminuria or overt nephropathy (subjects). Anthropometric, haematological and biochemical data were taken. GFR was determined using the CKD-EPI formula. Participants with higher WBC counts had an elevated platelet count, ESR, total protein and globulin (p<0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between total WBC count and GFR in participants with microalbuminuria (p<0.05) and a significant positive correlation between microalbuminuria and total WBC count (r=0.171; p=0.035) and neutrophil count (r=0.257; p=0.002). Participants with GFR below 60 ml/min 1.73 m2 had significantly higher total WBC count and neutrophil count compared to those with GFR above 60 ml/min 1.73 m2 (p<0.05). Total and differential white cell count, especially neutrophil count, provide valuable information about the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, and should thus receive careful attention from caregivers