Role of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as an Indicator of Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

he relation between NLR and pathologic process in MS has been evident in more than one study, linked to the relapse onset and to increased progression over the disease course. Our study aimed to investigate this relation and further verification of its value. This study included 40 patients diagnosed with RRMS, 31 females and 9 males, age from 18-45 years with no other associated co-morbidities or other immunological disorders. Patients were recruited from neurology department of Nasser Institute Hospital with inclusion and exclusion criteria aiming to eliminate factors other than MS activity, which can alter the average values of NLR. Complete demographic and clinical data were gathered from the patients. NLR was calculated during the time of the relapse and after the remission. By comparison, NLR at the time of the relapse was significantly increased than NLR of remission of same patient (P-value <0.001). However, there were no significant associations regarding NLR in relapse with other clinical parameters of MS as the clinical picture of the relapse, severity of the relapse, recovery, the site of pathology, EDSS scores and progression. Also, no associations were found between patients’ age, sex, age of onset or number of relapses.