Increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with symptom severity in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and symptom severity, clinical and socio-demographic variables in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with schizophrenia were compared with 110 healthy subjects matched by gender, age, body mass index, and smoking status. The NLR was determined after obtaining full blood counts by calculating the ratio of absolute neutrophil count and the absolute lymphocyte count. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to determine the severity of symptoms in patients. Results: In patients with schizophrenia, neutrophil count and NLR were significantly higher (p < 0.001), while lymphocyte count (p = 0.035) was significantly lower compared to healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was found between NLR and the PANSS negative, general psychopathology, and total scores (all p < 0.05). The NLR was also positively correlated with PANSS negative, cognitive, excitement, and depression factor scores (all p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that NLR was a predictor for the clinical symptoms. No significant correlations were found between NLR and clinical and demographic characteristics in patients. Conclusion: Increased NLR is associated with the severity of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and may be a state marker in schizophrenia.