Relationship Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) give information about many diseases. An increase in inflammation markers occurs in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between OSAS and NLR and PLR values.

Two hundred eighty four patients with complaints of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness were included in the study. Polysomnography had been performed on all patients and the control group. Fourty eight of these patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) less than 5 (pure snoring) were included in the control group, 67 patients with AHI between 5 and 14.9 in the mild OSAS group, 61 patients with AHI between 15 and 29.9 in the moderate OSAS group and 108 patients with AHI more than 30 in the severe OSAS group. NLR and PLR values were calculated from the complete blood count (CBC) analysis of the patients and control group. The OSAS and control groups were compared by age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and PSG parameters as well as NLR and PLR values.

The PLR value in the OSAS group was found to be less than in the control group (p=0.006). As the non-REM AHI increased, the value of PLR decreased. As the nocturnal time spent with arterial oxygen saturation<90% increased, the value of NLR was determined to increase.

NLR and PLR values can give valuable information in OSAS.