Clinical Implications of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive events. In recent years, the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) has emerged as a potential biomarker with prognostic and diagnostic significance in various medical conditions. This review explores the clinical implications of NLR in the context of SCD, shedding light on its role as a valuable indicator of inflammation, disease severity, and treatment response. The inflammatory state is a key contributor to the pathophysiology of SCD, influencing disease progression and complications. NLR, calculated from routine complete blood counts, reflects the balance between the immune response’s cellular components and has been implicated in assessing the inflammatory status in various diseases. In the context of SCD, elevated NLR has been associated with increased vaso-occlusive events, suggesting its potential utility as a predictive marker for disease complications. In conclusion, this perspective review consolidates current knowledge on the clinical implications of NLR in Sickle Cell Disease. It highlights the potential of NLR as a readily available and cost-effective biomarker for assessing inflammation, predicting disease severity, and monitoring treatment response in individuals with SCD. As the understanding of the immunological aspects of SCD continues to evolve, NLR stands out as a promising parameter that may contribute to a more comprehensive approach to managing this complex hematologic disorder.