Linear correlation between white blood cell counts and the progression and prognosis of acute kidney injury.

Abstract

IntroductionWhite blood cell count, a cost-effective blood test marker, is used extensively for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. Nevertheless, its association with the progression and prognosis of acute kidney injury remains unclear.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using data from a multicenter randomized trial on an acute kidney injury early warning system. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and smooth curve fitting were used to evaluate the association between the white blood cell count and the progression and prognosis of acute kidney injury.ResultsA total of 5471 patients were included in the study. White blood cell counts were significantly associated with 14-day acute kidney injury progression (adjusted odds ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.06, P < 0.01) and 14-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.09, P < 0.01). However, white blood cell counts were not associated with 14-day dialysis (adjusted odds ratio: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.97-1.05, P = 0.77). Further curve fitting analysis found a linear correlation between white blood cell counts and 14-day acute kidney injury progression and 14-day mortality.ConclusionWhite blood cell counts had a significant linear correlation with 14-day acute kidney injury progression and 14-day mortality, but not with 14-day dialysis.