Reference Values of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume in Healthy Adults in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Recently,Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-lymphocyteratio (PLR) and Mean platelet volume(MPV) have become increasingly useful as predictive and prognostic tools in patients with various medical conditions. To make for easy interpretation and application, the reference values of these parameters in healthy adults need to be established in our environment. Objectives: To establish the reference values for NLR, PLR and MPV in healthy adults in a tertiary health facility in the North-central Nigeria. Methods: Venous blood samples from five hundred (500) healthy adults were analyzed using a Sysmex automated haematology analyzer. The NLR and PLR were calculated while the MPV values were recorded from the print outs. The effects of some demographics on these parameters were assessed using the SPSS 19. Results: The mean value for NLR was 2.8 (reference range, 1.2-4.4), PLR was 137 (reference range, 75-199) and MPV was 10.6fl (reference range, 9.7-11.5fl). Individuals aged 18 to 50 years had significantly lower NLR (p=0.019) and PLR (p<0.05) than older individuals aged 51 to 85 years. PLR was also noted to be significantly higher in males than in females (p=0.003), while NLR and MPV were not affected by gender. Conclusion: The reference values for NLR vary with age while PLR vary with age and gender. These variations need to be considered while using these parameters for predictive and prognostic purposes in our environment.