Relationship between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Stress in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease of autoimmunity and inflammation, is characterized by deterioration of the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. The high levels of neutrophils in serum may be related to the chronic inflammation and caused by other triggers such as infections that have been associated with relapses in MS.

To investigate the value of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a possible marker and relationship with Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DAS) score in MS patients.

A total of 60 MS patients and 60 age and sex matched healthy controls were recruited for the present study. We measured DAS score, NLR, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, chloride, alkaline phosphatase, albumin in serum levels in MS patients and in healthy controls.

The mean age was not significantly different in both case and control groups. The case and control groups were similar in terms of sex; however, the majority of the MS group was female. The NLR values of MS patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (p=<0.001). The NLR values were also significantly (p<0.001) correlated with stress score.

NLR could be considered as a quick, cheap, easily measurable and inflammatory marker for assessment of inflammation in MS patients. The role of NLR in MS must be explored further.