Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio - Not an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with the Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Purpose: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was evaluated as a potential prognostic factor in patientswith myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Materials and
Methods: Between December 2009 and April 2014, 14female (35%) and 26 male (65%) MDS patients who were followed up in our hematology clinic were included inthe study for NLR during diagnosis. Division was into two groups according to the NLR, and the correlation withmortality was evaluated. The prognostic significance of NLR regarding treatment outcome was also evaluatedwith adjustment for known confounding risk factors.
Results: The mortality rate of the patient group was55%, and median survival was 18 months. There was no significant correlation between mortality and NLR ata median value of 1.8 (p=0.75). Thrombocytopenia was observed to increase mortality (p=0.027), and there wasa significant correlation between mortality and pancytopenia (p=0.017).
Conclusions: This first study of NLRand mortality did not show any significant correlation . In centres with limited access to genetic evaluation forthe presence of pancytopenia and/or thrombocytopenia at the time of diagnosis, a platelet level less than 50×109/lmay be poor prognostic markers in MDS patients.