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Published on: February 12, 2018
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratios in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Sannan Naif1,2,3, Ramadan Majed2,3, Elsayid Mohieldin1,2
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Inflammation plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A retrospective case-control study was conducted to assess the significance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a systemic inflammatory indicator in dry AMD. Clinical diagnosis and complete blood count (CBC) results were extracted from medical records for patients with dry AMD and age/sex-matched controls. This study included 90 patients diagnosed with dry AMD and 270 controls without AMD. There were no significant differences in the CBC results between the cases and controls. Patients with dry AMD had a slightly higher mean NLR than controls; however, this increase was not significant (P = .13). In the NLR model, age and sex were significant factors affecting the NLR values in the dry AMD group (P = .03 and 0.01, respectively). The NLR alone cannot predict dry AMD. Therefore, exploring other routine laboratory measurements may shed light on early disease prediction and prevention.
Insights
The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) did not significantly predict dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While NLR was slightly higher in dry AMD patients, other routine lab tests may offer better early disease prediction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Inflammation is implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation.
- Assessing systemic inflammatory markers may aid in understanding dry AMD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a potential biomarker for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- To determine if NLR can serve as an indicator of systemic inflammation in dry AMD patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study design.
- Inclusion of 90 patients with dry AMD and 270 age/sex-matched controls.
- Analysis of complete blood count (CBC) data to calculate NLR.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in CBC results between dry AMD patients and controls.
- Mean NLR was slightly elevated in the dry AMD group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .13).
- Age and sex were significant factors influencing NLR in the dry AMD group (P = .03 and P = .01, respectively).
Conclusions:
- The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) alone is not a reliable predictor of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Further research into other routine laboratory measurements is recommended for early disease prediction and prevention strategies.
