Work

Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and CRP with spirometry in COPD patients in North India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have high serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, exhibit reduced lung functions and a worse prognosis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio, NLR), obtained from a complete blood count, is an inexpensive and easily accessible inflammation marker. The NLR has proven useful in assessing the risk for patients with various cardiovascular conditions, different types of solid tumours, sepsis, and infectious diseases. Research indicates that COPD patients have significantly higher NLR values compared to healthy controls of the same age and sex, with these values increasing even more during acute COPD exacerbations compared to stable periods. Hence, identifying non-invasive and cost-effective tools to assess the severity of COPD in the PHC/CHC level would be beneficial as an early intervention. Aim: To study the relationship between N/L ratio and CRP levels and spirometry in COPD patients. Settings and Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: A total of 100 patients of an age > 40 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD according to GOLD (Global Initiative COPD patients) criteria were selected. With an informed consent, blood sample collection for N/L ratio and CRP along with spirometry was performed in all the patients. Statistical Analysis Used: <0.05 is considered significant. Results: < 0.0001*) associated with severity COPD according to GOLD criteria. Conclusions: This study concludes that the FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio were lower in severe COPD patients, and it also reveals that individuals with severe COPD have elevated levels of serum CRP and N/L ratio, which correlates with the severity of COPD. Elevated N/L ratio and CRP level may be used as non invasive predictors and cost-effective tools for COPD patients at the Primary health centre level for screening of the severity of COPD patients.

Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1052_24

Authors: Kaushalendra K. Maurya, Shraddha Singh, Sushma Swaraj Rapelly, Ajay K. Verma

Institution: King George's Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $450