Individual and Combined Evaluation of Specific Inflammatory Biomarkers along with Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, and Platelet Counts in Predicting Poststroke Disability Severity Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Pampanga, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Numerous studies considered Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) as inflammatory biomarkers in assessing the functional outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Patients. Presumably, no other study has evaluated all three markers in varying levels of combinations. The study aims to evaluate the predictive potential of specific CBC parameters (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, and Platelets), their individual ratios (NLR, PLR, and MPV), and their combinations (NLR-PLR, NLR- MPV, PLR-MPV, and PLR-NLR-MPV). Methods/Case Report This retrospective study involved 52 AIS patients from a hospital in Pampanga, Philippines, at least 18 years of age, have no pre-existing conditions and prior treatments/medications. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, medical history, age, and gender were gathered. Specific CBC parameters upon admission were analyzed to derive individual ratios. The combined biomarkers, categorized into Levels 2, 1, and 0, indicate high values for all biomarkers involved, high values for any of the biomarkers (one or two high value/s for PLR-NLR-MPV), and no high values for any of the biomarkers, respectively. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results showed that elevated NLR (OR=14.5; p=0.021) and MPV (OR=24.1; p=0.047) are risk factors in developing evident poststroke disability (mRS 2-5) and mortality (mRS 6), respectively. Furthermore, level 2 NLR-MPV (OR=77.0; p=0.040) and PLR-MPV (OR=105; p=0.027) are risk factors on mortality. Level 2 PLR-NLR (OR=15.0; p=0.021) and level 1 NLR-MPV (OR=13.5; p=0.024) are risk factors in developing evident poststroke disability. Lastly, levels 1 (OR=13.5; p=0.024) and 2 (OR=77.0; p=0.040) PLR-NLR-MPV are risk factors in developing evident poststroke disability and mortality, respectively. Conclusion Patients with neutrophilia, elevated NLR, level 2 PLR-NLR, and level 1 NLR-MPV and PLR-NLR-MPV are more likely to develop evident poststroke disability; while patients with elevated MPV and Level 2 NLR-MPV, PLR- MPV, and PLR-NLR-MPV pose higher mortality risk. Greater sample size is recommended for studies with the same purpose to advance research for better AIS outcomes.