The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is inversely associated with adductor pollicis muscle thickness in older patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer.

Abstract

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a systemic inflammatory marker and has been associated with a poor prognosis in various cancer types. The aim of this study was to assess whether lower NLR values are associated with higher adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) values in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer. A cross-sectional study assessed 99 patients with digestive system cancers. Tumor stage was analyzed by a physician. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was calculated using the body weight (kg) divided by the height (m) squared; APMT (mm) using a skinfold caliper; handgrip strength (kg) using a dynamometer; calf circumference (cm) using an inelastic tape; gait speed using a distance of four meters to walk (m/s); and habitual food intake using 24-h food recall. Systemic inflammation was measured using the NLR. NLR values of ≥5.0 were considered high inflammation and <5.0 was the reference value. The NLR ≥ 5.0 group presented higher systemic inflammation compared with the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0; 11.7 ± 7.7 vs NLR < 5.0; 8.8 ± 4.5; P=0.0001). Age, sex, tumor stage, body weight, BMI, calf circumference, handgrip strength, and gait speed were not significantly different among the groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, the NLR ≥ 5.0 group presented lower APMT values than the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0; 6.3 ± 2.4 mm vs NLR < 5.0; 2.1 ± 1.2 mm; P=0.002). NLR values were inversely associated with APMT in the crude model (odds ratio: 0.84; range, 0.71-0.98; P=0.03) and when adjusted by age, BMI, and protein intake (odds ratio: 0.83; range, 0.70-0.98; P=0.03). In patients with cancer, NLR is negatively associated with APMT.