Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated With Carotid Atherosclerosis in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to demonstrate whether there is a correlation between Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) which is an early marker of atherosclerosis in patients receiving dialysis where there is a chronic inflammatory process in the body.Methods: 53 patients receiving dialysis 3 days a week and 54 persons as the control group were included. The exclusion criteria were determined as infection, using drugs that increase or decrease the number of leukocytes such as steroids, antithyroid, chronic liver diseases, rheumatic disease, maling disease and prior cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases. Patients’ age, gender, body mass index, hemogram and biochemical parameters were recorded. CIMT values were measured by Carotid Doppler examination.Results: When the two groups were compared; there was no significant difference between them in terms of age, gender, blood pressures, DM, ejection fractions, lipid levels. PLR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CIMT were significantly higher (p=0.009, p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively) in the dialysis patients group. A positive correlation was found between CIMT and PLR, NLR (r=0.59 p<0.001, r=0.38, p=0.004). As a result of the linear regression analysis, PLR (B:0.714, 95%CI:3.425/14.393, p=0.002) and NLR were found as independent predictors in showing CIMT. Conclusion: PLR is independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by CIMT in people with dialysis patients