The clinical significance of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a novel inflammatory biomarker for assessing the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Inflammation is integral to the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration, yet the role of systemic inflammatory markers in this process remains underexplored. This study aims to explore the association between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and the severity of disc degeneration.
Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 375 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration between April 2018 and May 2021. All patients underwent a complete blood cell count examination. We applied the Pfirrmann grading system for cumulative disc grading, stratifying patients into two groups: a high-score group (cumulative grade > 17) and a low-score group (cumulative grade ≤ 17), based on the median cumulative grade. The association between the NLR and and the severity of disc degeneration was further analyzed using correlation analysis and logistic regression models. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of the NLR for lumbar disc degeneration was assessed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: We found a significant positive correlation between high NLR levels and severe disc degeneration. The high-score group exhibited a significantly higher NLR compared to the low-score group [2.63 (1.91-4.18) vs. 2.04 (1.38-2.74), respectively, p < 0.001]. Significant correlations were found between NLR and patient characteristics (including age, BMI, VAS, NSAIDs usage, hemoglobin) and the cumulative grading. Logistic regression analysis identified age and NLR as independent predictors of the severity of disc degeneration. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated a good predictive capability of NLR for lumbar disc degeneration.
Conclusion: NLR could serve as a promising biomarker for assessing the severity of lumbar disc degeneration and offer potential benefits in both early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
期刊介绍:
Frontiers in Medicine publishes rigorously peer-reviewed research linking basic research to clinical practice and patient care, as well as translating scientific advances into new therapies and diagnostic tools. Led by an outstanding Editorial Board of international experts, this multidisciplinary open-access journal is at the forefront of disseminating and communicating scientific knowledge and impactful discoveries to researchers, academics, clinicians and the public worldwide.
In addition to papers that provide a link between basic research and clinical practice, a particular emphasis is given to studies that are directly relevant to patient care. In this spirit, the journal publishes the latest research results and medical knowledge that facilitate the translation of scientific advances into new therapies or diagnostic tools. The full listing of the Specialty Sections represented by Frontiers in Medicine is as listed below. As well as the established medical disciplines, Frontiers in Medicine is launching new sections that together will facilitate
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