Predicting the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: Can the Leukocyte Glucose Index be Used?

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the usability of leuko-glycemic index (LGI) at chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) class 1 for determining the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Study Design: An observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Cardiology, University of Pamukkale University Hospital, Turkey, between September 2021 and January 2022. Methodology: One hundred and thirty-four patients, whose myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) was requested due to CCS class 1, and on whom a coronary angiogram (CAG) was performed due to evidence of ischemia, were analysed. Blood samples were taken from the patients during their hospitalisation before CAG. LGI was calculated as mg/dl.mm3 by multiplying both values and dividing by a thousand. The patients were analysed in two groups according to the critical stenosis and non-critical stenosis detected in the coronary arteries. Results: The LGI was recorded as 480 mg/dl.mm3 (407-603) vs. 572 mg/dl.mm3 (433-877), p=0.006, and the Gensini score (6 (3-10) vs 40 (23-60), p<0.001) was significantly higher in the critical CAD group. A significant relationship has detected the increase in LGI and the extensity and severity of CAD (Unadjusted; OR (95% CI); 1.003 (1.001 – 1.004) p=0.002, adjusted; OR (95% CI); 1.002 (1.001 – 1.004) p=0.004). Conclusion: A high LGI was a predictor of CAD severity among CCS class 1 patients and was found to correlate with the Gensini score. The use of this simple and inexpensive index, together with other non-invasive tests before CAG, may provide some knowledge about the severity of CAD.