The relation of white blood cell count and atherogenic index ratio of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol in Taiwan school children.

White blood cell (WBC) count is an independent coronary risk factor in adults. To clarify the relation of WBC count and atherogenesity in children, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Taiwan from February to June 1996. A total of 3818 subjects were eligible in the final analyses. The ratio of low to high density lipoprotein cholesterol was calculated as atherogenic index. The 75th percentile of atherogenic index was calculated and used as cut-off point for high and low levels. The mean WBC count in children with high atherogenic index (6.82 x 10(9) cells/L) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those with low atherogenic index (6.58 x 10(9) cells/L). By multiple logistic regression analysis, higher WBC count (> or = 7.8 x 10(9) cells/L) was found to be an independent risk indicator of atherogenesity (odds ratio: 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.41) among obese children. Other significant factors associated with atherogenesity were gender, obesity, age, triglyceride and total cholesterol level. Our results indicate that obese children with higher WBC count have higher atherogenic index.