Evaluation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios for stroke predictability in postoperative patients with carotid artery stenosis

Abstract

Background/Objectives

Previous studies have reported that inflammatory biomarkers have prognostic value in various fields, including vascular surgery. Biomarkers such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) help identify patients at higher risk for cerebrovascular events, as well as in the treatment and follow-up of patients. There are studies investigating the usefulness of these biomarkers for carotid artery disease. However, data on whether they help predict neurological complications after carotid artery surgery are limited. This study examined the correlation between preoperative carotid arterial stenosis severity, symptomatic presentation, and PLR and NLR levels as potential biomarkers for predicting postoperative neurological complications.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative and postoperative demographics, physical examination, and laboratory results of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis in our clinic between January 2019 and January 2023.

Results

While our findings did not demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between NLR and PLR levels and postoperative neurological complications, elevated platelet counts were associated with such complications, underscoring the importance of antiplatelet therapy in managing carotid artery disease.

Conclusions

The study linked high platelet counts to postoperative complications and highlights the importance of antiplatelet therapy in managing carotid artery disease. The differences in findings highlight the complexity of stroke prediction and the need for a multifactorial approach.