Cardiometabolic parameters and novel hematological indices in women with migraine

The pathophysiological aspect of migraine has not been fully elucidated. It is assumed that inflammation is at the root of this disease. The goal of the research is to examine cardiometabolic and novel haematological indices in patients with migraine.

A total of 50 women diagnosed with migraine were included in the study. Women were recruited during pain-free periods between pain attacks. The control group consisted of 25 age-matched healthy women. The MIDAS score (Migraine Disability Assessment score) was calculated.

Women with migraine had higher levels of uric acid (P = 0.045) and higher transaminase activity, AST (P< 0.001) and ALT (P= 0.003). Significantly lower neutrophil counts and RDW-CV (%) and higher platelet count (PLT) and PCT were observed in subjects with migraine. The derived haematological parameters, i.e., NLR, dNLR, M-GLR, and PDW/PCT, were significantly lower in the migraine group than in the controls, whereas higher PNR was observed in the migraine group. Among the examined haematological indicators, PNR showed excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC= 0.727), while other parameters (RDW, PLT, neutrophils, PDW/PCT, NLR, dNLR, M-GLR) showed good diagnostic accuracy (0.600< AUC< 0.700). The largest number of women suffering from migraine (52.9%) had a MIDAS score of 11-20. Creatinine showed good diagnostic accuracy in predicting high MIDAS scores (AUC= 0.678).

Women suffering from migraine have less favourable cardiometabolic status in comparison to healthy women. Blood count parameters and calculated indices have good diagnostic accuracy for migraine. These parameters are cost-effective and easily available.