Correlation of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio with carotid intima–media thickness in diabetes-an analytical cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis, the growth of fibrofatty lesions in the arterial wall, is a major cause of illness and mortality across the world. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease risk are increased in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), performed by radiologists has been widely regarded as a marker of atherosclerosis. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily available and reproducible test and is said to be a marker of inflammation. In this study, our aim was to assess the correlation of NLR with CIMT in diabetes patients. Methods: A total of 25 Type 2 diabetic patients (F:M = 7:18, mean age: 71.56 ± 9.63) were included. Complete blood count (CBC) was done and CIMT was measured. Depending on CIMT, the patients were divided into the following two groups: High CIMT group (>1 mm) and normal CIMT group (<1 mm). Results: Mean NLR was found to be higher in diabetes patients with thick CIMT compared to those with normal CIMT. This was statistically significant (p >< 0.05). There was no difference in mean neutrophil count and mean lymphocyte count between the two groups. Conclusion: In this study, mean NLR was found to be higher in diabetes patients with higher CIMT than normal CIMT. Hence, NLR can be used to predict atherosclerosis in diabetes patients. Being cheaper, it can be used to predict adverse atherosclerotic events such as cerebrovascular accidents and coronary syndromes in diabetes patients, and the progression of these events in the same.