Relationship between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and Thrombosis in Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) without Acquired Risk Factor for Thrombosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammation occurring after vascular endothelial damage plays a role in thrombus formation. Changes in various blood parameters that develop after the inflammatory condition can be used as a marker to predict thrombus. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Materials and Methods: After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria to the patients diagnosed with PVT and followed up in our center between January 2006 and May 2018, a total of 38 patients without acquired risk factors for the development of PVT and 52 healthy controls were included in the study. Clinical features and NLR and PLR at diagnosis were evaluated. Results: NLR and PLR values were detected to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with PVT compared to the control group (P < 0.001 for NLR, P < 0.001 for PLR). Findings were as follows: In acute PVT patients for NLR = 3.645 (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.886, sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 96.2%, P < 0.001), for PLR = 196.24 (AUROC 0.754, sensitivity 53.2%, specificity 96.2%, P = 0.005), while in chronic PVT patients, for NLR = 3.645 (AUROC 0.744, sensitivity 40%, specificity 96.2%, P = 0.001), and for PLR = 195.93 (AUROC 0.715, sensitivity 44%, specificity 96.2%, P = 0.002). Conclusion: NLR and PLR were associated with the diagnosis of PVT. In PVT patients, NLR and PLR values were observed to be significantly higher than the control group. In our study, the relationship between NLR and PLR in patients with noncirrhotic, nonmalignant PVT without acquired risk factors for thrombosis was shown for the first time.