Peripheral WBC count and serum prolactin level in various seizure types and nonepileptic events.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze effects of different types of seizures and nonepileptic events as well as effects of seizure duration and lapse between the time of seizure and blood collection on serum prolactin level and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count.


METHODS
We prospectively collected blood samples from all patients admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at baseline and after an event. Blood samples were analyzed, and serum prolactin level and WBC count were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relation of each type of seizure, its duration, and time lapse between a seizure and collection of blood sample to the serum prolactin level and peripheral WBC count.


RESULTS
Serum prolactin level increases above twice the level at baseline after a complex partial seizure or a generalized seizure. Peripheral WBC count is elevated above the upper limit of normal in about one third of cases after a generalized seizure. In generalized seizures, the length of a seizure is positively associated, whereas the lapse time between the seizure onset and blood draw is negatively correlated with the increase in WBC count. Thus the longer the seizure and quicker the blood draw, the higher the WBC count.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that complex partial or generalized seizures are associated with an increase in serum prolactin level. Peripheral WBC count increases significantly after a generalized seizure and is probably transient in nature.
Shah
A K
AK
Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA. ashah@med.wayne.edu
Shein
N
N
Fuerst
D
D
Yangala
R
R
Shah
J
J
Watson
C
C
D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology
D011388:Prolactin