Meta‐analysis of total and differential white blood cell counts in schizophrenia

Objective Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in blood inflammatory markers, including cytokines. Total white blood cell (WBC) count is a marker of low‐grade inflammation. We conducted a meta‐analysis of total and differential WBC counts in patients with schizophrenia. Method Articles were identified through a systematic search of PsycINFO, Pub Med, Web of Science, and the associated references. Data were analyzed using a random effects approach. Results Twenty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. Blood total WBC, monocytes, and neutrophils were significantly higher in schizophrenia vs. controls with small‐to‐medium effect sizes (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39–0.53, P