Leukopenia, neutropenia, and reduced hemoglobin levels in healthy American blacks

Article Abstract:

Several studies have documented that healthy American blacks have lower levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) than white Americans. However, the standard reference values that doctors use to determine whether leukocyte levels are normal or abnormal are based on values of whites. In addition, previous studies have not determined whether blacks have higher rates of infection because of their lower leukocyte levels. (Leukocytes help the body fight infection.) Blood tests were obtained on 462 persons who were being examined at the Walter Reed Physical Examination Section; 166 blacks and 296 whites participated in the study. Most were servicemen on active duty, and were therefore relatively healthy. All subjects had a complete blood cell count (CBC) and a differential white blood cell count, which indicates the levels of the different types of leukocytes. The participants were also asked to indicate any illness, particularly an infection, they had experienced during the 10-day period prior to their examination. Blacks had significantly lower total leukocyte levels than whites, as well as lower levels of neutrophils, a specific type of leukocyte. The concentration of hemoglobin in their red blood cells was also slightly lower than that of whites. When the frequency of distribution of leukocyte levels (the percentage of people who had various leukocyte levels) was studied, it was found that the distribution curve was simply shifted to lower leukocyte levels in blacks. In other words, the majority of blacks studied had lower levels than the majority of whites. The same was true for hemoglobin concentrations. Thus, the lower leukocyte levels and lower hemoglobin concentrations in blacks may be normal. For this reason, a high leukocyte count, which might be within the normal range in whites, may be a sign of illness in blacks. Similarly, a high hemoglobin concentration in blacks may be an indication of illness. In this study, the incidence of infection was not greater in blacks, despite their lower leukocyte counts. To indicate what is normal and what is abnormal, it seems reasonable that separate reference values for blood cell counts should be created for blacks. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Physiological aspects, Demographic aspects, African Americans, Hemoglobin, Hemoglobins, Neutrophils, Leukocytes, White blood cells, Reference values (Medicine)

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Helping your patients stay healthy

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Assn (AMA) is introducing the Living Well America Program for the general public. For $20, subscribers will receive Living Well, a newsletter providing consumer-oriented disease prevention and treatment information. Subscribers will also receive a first aid video, discounts on medical plans and other benefits. The AMA, rated a reliable source of medical information by 85% of the public in a recent poll, also publishes the popular AMA Family Medical Guide and operates a successful telephone hotline.

Editorial, Publishing industry, Periodicals, American Medical Association, Health education, Living Well America (Periodical)

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Let's use advertising to push healthy choices

Article Abstract:

Advertising should be used to provide people the information they need to make informed health decisions. The effectiveness of advertising has been established. The tobacco and liquor industries should fund anti-smoking and anti-drinking advertising campaigns, and Congress should allocate funds for anti-drug advertising.

Usage, Column, Advertising, Public health, Public service advertising

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