Peritoneal Lavage White Cell Counts

Abstract

To the Editor.— We read with interest the report of Vij and associates 1 regarding peritoneal lavage white cell counts. We would like to call to the attention of readers work not cited in this report nor in the accompanying editorial that addresses the timing and character of this white cell response after abdominal visceral injury. 2-4 White cell count elevations in lavage fluid are independent of hemorrhage and relate almost exclusively to hollow viscus perforation but may be delayed four to six hours in onset, depending on the location and extent of injury. Readers ofThe Journalmay find this information helpful in resolving some of the apparent conflicts regarding the interpretation of lavage white cell counts. Other current clinical reports 5,6 affirm the value of lavage white cell count elevations for the prompt diagnosis of isolated small-bowel perforation with 18 to 24 hours of diagnostic delay saved by