Complete Blood Count in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system in primarily young adults. Although the exact etiology of MS is unknown, autoimmune mechanisms are thought to play a crucial role, especially with CD4+ T cells involved in the immune response. Inflammatory reactions involving T cells and macrophages are commonly observed in MS lesions. B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and antibodies also contribute to MS pathogenesis. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, key immune system components, play roles in inflammatory processes, but their association with MS prognosis remains inconclusive. Due to its heterogeneous nature, clinical manifestations of MS vary depending on the location of the affected central nervous system. While several potential biomarkers have been identified for MS diagnosis and monitoring, none have been universally accepted. Studies have examined complete blood count parameters in MS patients, including erythrocyte, platelet, and leukocyte populations. Changes in these parameters have been observed in MS patients compared to healthy controls and may be related to disease prognosis. For example, increased erythrocyte fragility and altered hemoglobin levels have been reported in MS patients. Leukocyte counts and ratios, such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, have shown associations with disease severity. Platelet activation and interaction with immune cells have also been implicated in MS pathophysiology. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand the role of complete blood count parameters in MS. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction would greatly enhance MS management. Moreover, these benefits could lead to substantial improvements in achieving complete recovery of patients, surpassing the focus on current symptomatic treatments.