# name
Defining the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in COPD: a systematic literature review

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
COPD is characterized by a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory process. Several authors have reported the elevation of multiple inflammatory markers in patients with COPD; however, their use in routine clinical practice has limitations. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful and cost-effective inflammatory marker derived from routine complete blood count. We performed a systematic literature review using the PRISMA statement. Twenty-two articles were included, recruiting 7,601 COPD patients and 784 healthy controls. Compared with controls, COPD patients had significantly higher NLR values. We found a significant correlation between the NLR and clinical/functional parameters (FEV1, mMRC, and BODE index) in COPD patients. Elevation of the NLR is associated with the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD (pooled data propose a cut-off value of 3.34 with a median sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 80%, 86%, and 0.86, respectively). Additionally, increased NLR is also associated with the diagnosis of a bacterial infection in exacerbated patients, with a cut-off value of 7.30, although with a low sensitivity and specificity. The NLR is an independent predictor of in-hospital and late mortality after exacerbation. In conclusion, the NLR could be a useful marker in COPD patients; however, further studies are needed to better identify the clinical value of the NLR.

# metadata.dc.relation.ispartof[].value
International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2018, vol. 13, p. 3651-3662

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc by-nc (c) Pascual-González et al., 2018

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Ciències Clíniques)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Defining the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in COPD: a systematic literature review