engleski

Neuthrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a biomarker of inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, is characterized by chronic inflammation. Neuthrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new sensitive marker of inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess NLR in stable COPD patients as a potential diagnostic marker. Materials and methods: The study included 95 healthy subjects (49 male and 46 female ; median age 64, range 46-83 years ; 47 smokers and 48 non- smokers) and 137 COPD patients (86 male and 51 female ; median age 65, range 44-86 years ; 10 non-smokers, 90 ex-smokers, 37 smokers). COPD patients were also subdivided according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). Neuthrophil and lymphocyte counts were determined by Sysmex XE 5000 hematology analyser, and NLR was calculated. Data were analysed by MedCalc statistical analysis software. Results: Neuthrophil count (P<0.001) as well as NLR (P<0.001) were higher in COPD patients compared to healthy subjects, while there was no difference in lymphocyte count (P=0.158). Neuthrophil count depended on smoking status (P<0.001), and was not able to differentiate between healthy smokers and less severe (GOLD 2 and 3) stages, while NLR did not depend on smoking status. The cut-off value of 1.95 for NLR classified COPD patients with 68.42 % specificity, 69.34 % sensitivity, and area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.72 (95 % CI 0.657- 0.776). Conclusion: NLR might serve as a cost- effective biomarker of inflammation in COPD patients independent of smoking status.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ; neuthrophil to lymphocyte ratio ; inflammation

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