Systemic immune-inflammation index is associated with white matter hyperintensity volume

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Inflammation Markers
• Vascular Health

Background:

• The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a blood-based marker reflecting systemic inflammation.
• Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) encompasses various pathologies affecting small blood vessels in the brain.
• Understanding inflammatory markers associated with cSVD is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the SII and cSVD in individuals undergoing health check-ups.
• To determine if specific cSVD markers (WMH, lacunes, CMBs) are related to SII.
• To explore age-related differences in the SII-cSVD association.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 3187 health check-up participants (2006-2013).
• Calculation of SII: (platelet count × neutrophil count) / lymphocyte count.
• Assessment of cSVD using white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) via imaging.

Main Results:

• The SII was significantly associated with WMH volume (β = 0.120, 95% CI 0.050-0.189).
• No significant association was found between SII and lacunes or cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
• In participants aged ≥60 years, the SII showed a stronger association with WMH volume (β = 0.225, 95% CI 0.068-0.381).

Conclusions:

• Elevated SII is associated with cSVD, particularly WMH volume.
• The association between SII and WMH suggests a potential role of inflammation in WMH pathogenesis.
• The findings highlight SII as a potential indicator for cSVD, especially in older populations.