Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte Ratio as a Marker of Disease Severity and Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study
A. Jenish Babu, Thilagar , Meghna Annie Philip and Prem Kumar
Page: 353-356 | Received 20 Jan 2024, Published online: 23 Feb 2024
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Abstract
The hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a persistent and irreversible restriction of airflow that is accompanied by an increased chronic inflammatory response of the lungs and airways to harmful gases and particles. Acute exacerbations, which are one of the defining characteristics of COPD, are frequently accompanied by an increase in inflammation brought on by infections or even environmental factors. Counting leucocytes and identifying their subtypes are common indicators of inflammation. For clinical outcomes in COPD patients, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is regarded as an inflammatory biomarker. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with stable disease and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Materials and Present study was a prospective cross‐sectional study conducted in Department of General Medicine, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam for a period of one year. A total of 80 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and stable COPD patients were included in the present study. Clinical data were collected. Degree of dyspnoea was assessed using Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnoea scale. Pulmonary function tests were done. Blood samples were collected from the patients for total WBC count, differential WBC count and for absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte count. Neutrophil‐to lymphocyte ratio was calculated by dividing absolute neutrophil count by absolute lymphocyte count. Results were analysed using SPSS 20.0 version and the association was tested using one‐way ANOVA and Chi square test. COPD is more prevalent among smokers and male gender. In the present study 15(18.75%) had NLR between 0 to 2.5, 21(26.25%) had NLR between 2.6 to 5, 35(43.75%) had NLR between 5.1 to 7.5, 9(11.25%) had NLR between 7.6 to 10. NLR correlated with the severity of airflow obstruction. NLR has a positive correlation with MMRC scale. Mean NLR was significantly higher in COPD exacerbation compared to patients with stable COPD. With its rapid, inexpensive, and easily measurable feature with normal complete blood count analysis, NLR could be thought of as a novel inflammatory marker for assessing inflammation in COPD patients. All COPD patients should routinely employ NLR as a prognostic marker of mortality. NLR may serve as a marker for COPD exacerbations.
How to cite this article:
A. Jenish Babu, Thilagar , Meghna Annie Philip and Prem Kumar. Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte Ratio as a Marker of Disease Severity and Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.353.356
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.353.356