Chinese Medical Journal (Jun 2022)

An elevated platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with a higher risk of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

  • Yanhua Huang,
  • Zuoteng Wang,
  • Bing Zhao,
  • Yahui Ma,
  • Yanan Ou,
  • Hao Hu,
  • Xiaohe Hou,
  • Jintai Yu,
  • Lan Tan,
  • Yanjie Yin,
  • Xiuyuan Hao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000002228
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 135, no. 12
pp. 1425 – 1431

Abstract

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Abstract. Background:. Previous studies have shown that inflammation plays an important role in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has recently emerged as a potential inflammatory biomarker. This study aimed to explore the association of the PLR with ICAS in a Chinese Han population. Methods:. A total of 2134 participants (518 with ICAS, 1616 without ICAS) were enrolled in this study. ICAS was defined as atherosclerotic stenosis >50% or the occlusion of several main intracranial arteries. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of the PLR with ICAS. Additional subgroup analyses were performed according to age (<60 vs. ≥60 years) and acute ischemic stroke. Results:. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a high PLR was associated with a higher risk of ICAS in all participants (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile, the fourth PLR quartile was significantly associated with ICAS (OR 1.705, 95% confidence interval 1.278–2.275, P < 0.001). In the subgroups stratified by age, an association between the PLR and ICAS was found in the late-life group (P < 0.001), but not in the mid-life group (P = 0.650). In the subgroups stratified by acute ischemic stroke, the relationship between an elevated PLR and a higher risk of ICAS remained unchanged (stroke group, P < 0.001; non-stroke group, P = 0.027). Conclusions:. An elevated PLR was associated with a higher risk of ICAS in a Chinese Han population. The PLR might serve as a potential biomarker for ICAS in the elderly population.