The diagnostic value of platelet-to-neutrophil ratio in diabetic macular edema

Huixin Sun1, Yao Li1, Shihan Liu1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

BMC Ophthalmology
|April 2, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) is a potential biomarker for diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). A PNR of 68.51 or lower indicates a higher risk of developing DME.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Diabetology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss.
  • Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major complication of DR, often leading to severe visual impairment.
  • Early diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial for managing DR and preventing DME.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diagnostic value of the platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) in predicting the occurrence of diabetic macular edema (DME) among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).
  • To assess the correlation between PNR levels and the presence of DME, including its subtypes.
  • To evaluate PNR as a potential biomarker for DME risk stratification in DR patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 366 participants, including patients with DME, DR without DME, diabetes mellitus (DM) without DR, and healthy controls.
  • Platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) was calculated by dividing platelet count by neutrophil count.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to classify DME subtypes. Multivariate logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were employed to determine risk factors and predictive value.

Main Results:

  • The DME group exhibited significantly lower PNR levels compared to other groups (p < 0.001).
  • PNR levels did not differ significantly across DME subtypes (p = 0.548).
  • ROC curve analysis showed PNR as a good predictor of DME (AUC = 0.832). A PNR cutoff of 68.51 yielded 80.2% sensitivity and 75.6% specificity. PNR ≤ 68.51 was an independent risk factor for DME (OR = 12.05, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • A low platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR ≤ 68.51) is strongly associated with the development of DME in patients with DR.
  • PNR may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for identifying DME in DR patients.
  • PNR can aid in risk stratification and inform management strategies for DR patients at risk of DME.