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Blood Cell Count Indexes of Systemic Inflammation in Carotid Artery Disease: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Paola Dettori1, Panagiotis Paliogiannis2, Rosa M Pascale2

  • 1Center for Cure and Health, Sassari, Italy.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|December 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Blood cell count indexes, like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), may predict carotid artery disease and stroke risk. These inflammation markers offer insights into atherosclerotic processes and patient prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Carotid artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of ischemic stroke, accounting for about 30% of cases.
  • Systemic inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanism of CAD.
  • Biomarkers are needed for predicting CAD onset, progression, cerebrovascular events, and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence on the utility of common blood cell count (BCC) indexes in carotid artery disease.
  • To explore the role of BCC indexes in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with CAD.
  • To discuss the potential clinical applications of these inflammatory markers in managing CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on blood cell count indexes and carotid artery disease.
  • Focus on specific BCC indexes: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and red cell distribution width (RDW).
  • Analysis of studies investigating the association of these indexes with CAD diagnosis, progression, and cerebrovascular complications.

Main Results:

  • Several BCC indexes, including NLR, MLR, PLR, MPV, PDW, and RDW, have shown associations with systemic inflammation.
  • Evidence suggests these indexes may serve as predictors for the presence and severity of carotid artery stenosis.
  • These markers have also been linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with CAD.

Conclusions:

  • Commonly available BCC indexes represent accessible and potentially valuable tools for assessing systemic inflammation in CAD.
  • These markers may aid in risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with carotid artery disease.
  • Further research is warranted to establish definitive clinical guidelines for the use of BCC indexes in CAD management.

Keywords:
Carotid artery diseaseMLRMPV.NLRPLRRDWatherosclerosis

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