Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio for acute deep vein thrombosis after total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective study

Association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with the occurrence of venous thromboembolism and arterial thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis (AT).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study including 585 medical records obtained from all consecutive patients who were suspected of having thrombosis.

RESULTS

The AT group had a higher neutrophil count and NLR and a lower lymphocyte count than the non-thrombosis group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the ability of the NLR to predict the presence of AT. The cut-off value for the NLR was 4.44. No distinction was found in the NLR between the VTE and non-thrombosis groups. Regression analysis showed that a high NLR was an independent factor related to the presence of AT. Patients with an NLR ≥ 4.44 had a higher risk of AT than those with an NLR < 4.44 (odds ratio = 2.015, 95% confidence interval: 1.180-3.443).

CONCLUSION

A high NLR may be considered a predictive factor for the occurrence of AT, but an association with the presence of VTE was not found.

Correlation between Inflammatory Systemic Biomarkers and Surgical Trauma in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures

The treatment for hip fractures consists of a wide variety of orthopedic implants ranging from prosthesis to intramedullary nails. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between blood-count-derived biomarkers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the level of aggression sustained by elderly patients during these surgical procedures. A total of 129 patients aged over 70 and diagnosed with acute hip fractures who underwent surgical treatment between November 2021 and February 2023 were included in our observational retrospective cohort study. Two groups were formed depending on the anatomic location of the fracture for statistical comparison: group 1 with extracapsular fractures, who received a closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) with a gamma nail (GN) as treatment, and group 2 with intracapsular fractures, who received a bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) as treatment. The length of hospital stay (LHS), duration of surgery, preoperative days, pre- and postoperative red blood count (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels and postoperative NLR, PLR and SII were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis indicated that the postoperative NLR (p = 0.029), PLR (p = 0.009), SII (p = 0.001) and duration of surgery (p < 0.0001) were independently related to the invasiveness of the procedures. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that a postoperative SII > 1564.74 is a more reliable predictor of surgical trauma in terms of specificity (58.1%) and sensitivity (56.7%). Postoperative SII as a biomarker appears to be closely correlated with surgical trauma sustained by an older population with hip fractures.

Using complete blood count-derived inflammatory markers to compare postoperative inflammation in dogs undergoing open or laparoscopic ovariectomy

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory response triggered in dogs after laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOV) or ovariectomy through mini-celiotomy (COV) has never been compared using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII).

METHODS

Bitches underwent LapOV (n = 25) or COV (n = 25). NLR, PLR and SII were calculated 1 hour before ovariectomy (T0) and 2-3, 6-8 and 20-24 hours (T1-T3) after surgery.

RESULTS

Surgical time was longer in the LapOV group. Changes over time were observed in the NLR, PLR and SII in both groups (p < 0.001). PLR at baseline and T1 (p = 0.03 and 0.01) and NLR, PLR and SII at T2 (p = 0.01, 0.01 and 0.009) were higher in the LapOV group than in the COV group, but they did not differ at T3.

LIMITATIONS

The overrepresentation of Greyhounds in the LapOV group and the short-term follow-up are the study's main limitations.

CONCLUSION

Although an inflammatory peak was observed 6-8 hours after COV or LapOV, it was higher after the laparoscopy. However, there was no difference in the bitches' inflammatory status 24 hours after surgery.

Incidence and risk factors of isolated calf muscular venous thrombosis after tibial plateau fractures surgery

BACKGROUND

The risks associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have gained significant recognition over time. A prevalent form of distal DVT is isolated calf muscular venous thrombosis (ICMVT). Despite its common clinical occurrence, data on ICMVT subsequent to tibial plateau fracture (TPF) surgery are scarce. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors (RFs) of ICMVT following TPF surgery.

METHODS

For this retrospective analysis, we included patients from our hospital, who underwent TPF surgery between March 2017 and March 2021. Patients' electronic medical records were reviewed, including admission details, fracture classification, surgical procedures, and laboratory biomarkers. The HSS (The American Hospital for Special Surgery) and Rasmussen scores were employed to evaluate the clinical effect. A Color Duplex Flow Imager (CDFI) was regularly used to detect pre- and postoperative venous thrombosis in the lower limbs. Finally, uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent RFs associated with ICMVT.

RESULTS

Overall, 481 participants were recruited for analysis. Postoperative ICMVT occurred in 47 patients. All ICMVTs occurred on the affected side. Four of the 47 ICMVT patients exhibited sudden postoperative swelling in the affected limb. The HSS and Rasmussen scores in the non-ICMVT cohort (87.6 ± 8.2, 16.0 ± 1.7) were markedly different from the ICMVT cohort (84.8 ± 8.2, 15.5 ± 1.6) (p = 0.014, p = 0.031). This study finally identified five postoperative ICMVT-related RFs, which were age (> 55 years old) (OR 3.06; 95% CI 1.47-6.37; p = 0.003), gender (female) (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.37-5.22; p = 0.004), surgical duration (> 114 min) (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.44-6.85; p = 0.004), elevated white blood cell content (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.47-5.51; p = 0.002), and hyponatremia (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.04-5.12; p = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological findings of this study may help predict ICMVT risk after surgery thus facilitating the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.

Relationship Between Pre- and Post-Operative C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) With Post-Operative Pain After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Anesthetic technique and postoperative pain management are crucial for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are new, simple, and cost-effective predictors for prognosis. The predictive value of NLR as an inflammatory marker can predict post-operative pain caused by inflammatory pathways secondary to surgical trauma. CRP is also the most sensitive and specific biomarker of inflammation whereas PLR was also recently considered a possible marker for inflammation which may further contribute to pain and sequelae. Thus, anesthetists can make decisions about the amount, time, and type of analgesic to use based on preoperative values of these parameters to provide maximum postoperative pain control and facilitate early rehabilitation. Thus, the current study was conducted to determine the relationship between CRP, NLR, and PLR levels and the intensity of pain in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 105 patients scheduled for THA and TKA fulfilling the study's inclusion criteria were enrolled. Inclusion criteria of the study were all the patients giving written consent, ASA Grade I-III, patients between 18 and 90 years who were scheduled for elective lower extremity TJA, and all the patients who remained admitted until stitches were removed. Patients were given intrathecal 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine via 25G atraumatic spinal needle in the L3-L4 interspace. The recorded data were demographic characteristics, preexisting comorbidities, number of blood transfusions, and operation time, postoperative analgesics given, duration of hospital stay, time of mobility, pain scoring as per visual analog scale (VAS) scoring system with an aim to establish a relationship between pre- and post-operative (Days 3 & 5) CRP, NLR, and PLR with post-operative pain after THA and TKA.

RESULT

The present study demonstrated a significant correlation (p < 0.002) between preoperative and postoperative NLR with pain after TJA whereas PLR and CRP did not show any significant relationship with post-operative pain after THA and TKA. A significantly higher NLR ratio was observed for patients on all the periods of observation (pre-op., Day 3, and Day 5). Pre-op. and Day 5 NLR of patients who required transfusion were significantly higher than those who did not require transfusion and patients with higher NLR values could be mobilized significantly later and had significantly higher duration of hospital stay. The correlation of CRP levels and PLR levels at different time intervals did not show a significant correlation with Day 3 and Day 5 pain scores.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated a significant correlation between preoperative and postoperative NLR with pain after TJA.

Complete blood platelet and lymphocyte ratios increase diagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Systemically, changes in serum platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet count to mean platelet volume ratio (PVR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte to lymphocyte (MLR) represent primary responses to early inflammation and infection. This study aimed to determine whether PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR can be useful in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients.

METHODS

A total of 464 patients that underwent revision THA with calculable PLR, PVR, NLR, and MLR in 2 groups was evaluated: 1) 191 patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of PJI, and 2) 273 matched patients treated for revision THA for aseptic complications.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of PLR combined with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), synovial white blood cell count (WBC) and synovial polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) (97.9%; 98.5%) is significantly higher than only ESR combined with CRP, synovial WBC and synovial PMN (94.2%; 94.5%; p < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of PVR combined with ESR, CRP and synovial WBC, and synovial PMN (98.4%; 98.2%) is higher than only ESR combined with CRP, synovial WBC and synovial PMN (94.2%; 94.5%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The study results demonstrate that both PLR and PVR calculated from complete blood counts when combined with serum and synovial fluid markers have increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection in THA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, case-control retrospective analysis.

The effects of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy on novel complete blood count parameters in deep vein thrombosis: A retrospective study

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy on novel complete blood count parameters in deep venous thrombosis. This retrospective study included 242 patients aged >18 years who were treated for deep venous thrombosis. Patients were grouped as follows: group 1 was accepted as having interventional operations (n = 123) and group 2 was accepted as having only medical advice (n = 119). Routine complete blood count parameters, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were compared. There was no difference between the groups in terms of admission hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean platelet volume, NLR and PLR (P = .11, P = .24, P = .55, P = .93, and P = .96, respectively). In the pharmacomechanic thrombectomy group, NLR and PLR were significantly reduced after intervention when compared to the admission values (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). However, the NLR and PLR values of medically treated patients did not differ significantly from their baseline values (P = .16 and P = .08, respectively). In this study, we effectively removed the thrombus load in blocked proximal veins using pharmacomechanical thrombectomy and observed a significant decrease in NLR and PLR, which are current, inexpensive, and accessible parameters.

Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio Predicted Long-Term Prognosis for Acute Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis from a Retrospective Study

Background

In this study, we aimed to determine the mortality risk factors and whether placement of a vena cava filter improves the prognosis of acute upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT).

Methods

Clinical data and follow-up results were retrospectively analyzed. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with all-cause mortality in all patients and subgroups of patients. Results are expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to determine the optimal cut-off value. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed and compared by the Log rank test.

Results

The study cohort comprised 109 patients of median age 56 years (47.5, 64.5). The median follow-up time was 25 months (8, 47): 39 patients (35.8%) had died by 12 months, 55 (50.5%) by 36 months, and 60 (55%) by the end of follow-up. Presence of malignancy (HR: 5.882, 95% CI: 2.128-16.667), D-dimer (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09-1.94), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR; HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.15-3.54), and the systemic immune/inflammatory index (SII; HR: 1.471, 95% CI: 1.062-1.991) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Subgroup analysis of patients with malignancy determined gender (HR: 2.936, 95% CI: 1.599-5.393) and PLR (HR: 1.427,95% CI: 1.023-1.989) as independent risk factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the mortality rate was much higher in patients with malignancy, high D-dimer (≥ 0.92ug/mL), high PLR (≥ 291) and high SII (≥ 1487). However, there was no significant difference between patients with and without vena cava filters.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified PLR as an new independent predictor of mortality in patients with acute UEDVT. Emergency placement of a vena cava filter did not improve long-term prognosis.

Preoperative risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

To analyze the risk factors for preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, a total of 584 knee OA patients undergoing TKA were enrolled. General information, medical records and preoperative laboratory examination results of the patients were collected. According to the results of Doppler ultrasonography for the lower extremities, the patients were divided into DVT group and non-DVT group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

RESULTS

The incidence of DVT before TKA was 6.85% (40 cases). The increase of ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), platelet crit, IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and PCT (Procalcitonin) were associated with the development of DVT before TKA. Factors as coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes mellitus (DM), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), NLR (ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes), lower limb venous blood stasis, the time from onset to admission, RBC, PLT were identified by multivariate logistic regression to be the independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

DM, CKD, CHD, increased in ESR, IL-6 and PCT, blood stasis of the lower extremities, increased in PLT, platelet crit and the time from onset to admission, decreased in RBC, were high risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

Risk factors and new inflammatory indicators of deep vein thrombosis after adult patella fractures

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between new inflammatory indicators at admission and the occurrence of preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with patella fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients aged 18 years or older who underwent surgical treatment for unilateral closed patella fractures at our hospital between August 2016 and August 2020. The incidence of preoperative DVT was detected by Duplex ultrasound (DUS). Partial blood routine and biochemical indexes were collected at admission, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of inflammatory indexes were also calculated. ROC was used to analyze the cut-off value NLR, MLR, and PLR for predicting preoperative DVT, and univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors for preoperative DVT of patella fractures, and to verify whether other risk factors affecting the relationship between validation indexes and preoperative DVT.

RESULTS

A total of 500 patients were included, of which 39 patients (7.8%) developed preoperative DVT. After univariate and multivariate analysis, preoperative time (in each day delay), male (vs. female), D-dimer > 0.6 mg/L, total cholesterol (TC) > 5.6 mmol/L, and PLR > 189.8 were the risk factors for preoperative DVT in patients with patella fracture. Inflammation index PLR combined with the other four risk factors significantly improved the predictive efficacy of preoperative DVT compared with PLR (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory index PLR is a risk factor for preoperative DVT in patients with patella fracture, and the efficacy of PLR in predicting DVT can be significantly improved when other risk factors (male, D-dimer > 0.6 mg/L, TC > 5.6 mmol/L, and PLR > 189.8 of preoperative time in each day delay) are combined. These data are useful for the clinical identification of patients at high risk of preoperative DVT in patella fractures.

Inflammatory Biomarkers as Prognostic Factors of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis Following the Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background and objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most serious post-operative complications in the case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI)] in acute DVT following TKA. Materials and methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with surgical indications for TKA, admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, Regina Maria Health Network, Targu Mures, Romania, and the Department of Orthopedics, Humanitas MedLife Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania between January 2017 and July 2022. The primary endpoint was the risk of acute DVT following the TKA, and the secondary endpoint was the length of hospital stay, and the outcomes were stratified for the baseline’s optimal MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI cut-off value. Results: DVT patients were associated with higher age (p = 0.01), higher incidence of cardiac disease [arterial hypertension (p = 0.02), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.01)], malignancy (p = 0.005), as well as risk factors [smoking (p = 0.03) and obesity (p = 0.02)]. Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for all hematological ratios: MLR (OR: 11.06; p < 0.001), NLR (OR: 10.15; p < 0.001), PLR (OR: 12.31; p < 0.001), SII (OR: 18.87; p < 0.001), SIRI (OR: 10.86; p < 0.001), and AISI (OR: 14.05; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of DVT after TKA for all recruited patients. Moreover, age above 70 (OR: 2.96; p = 0.007), AH (OR: 2.93; p = 0.02), AF (OR: 2.71; p = 0.01), malignancy (OR: 3.98; p = 0.002), obesity (OR: 2.34; p = 0.04), and tobacco (OR: 2.30; p = 0.04) were all independent predictors of DVT risk. Conclusions: Higher pre-operative hematological ratios MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI values determined before operations strongly predict acute DVT following TKA. Moreover, age over 70, malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and risk factors such as obesity and tobacco were predictive risk factors for acute DVT.

Relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio or platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following femoral neck fractures in the elderly

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was associated with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following femoral neck fractures in the elderly.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study and used data extracted from the hospitalization electronic medical record and the laboratory biomarker reports. Patients were included if they were aged above 60 years with a definite diagnosis of femoral neck fracture caused by low-energy trauma. Duplex ultrasound scanning was routinely performed to detect the potential DVT. Two independent multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify the association of NLR or PLR with the risk of DVT.

Results

A total of 708 patients with femoral neck fractures were included, and 112 were found to have DVT, indicating an incidence rate of 15.8%. There were significant differences across five subgroups for NLR or PLR, in terms of age (p = 0.020, 0.006), white blood cell (p < 0.001, =0.006), hemoglobin (p < 0.001, <0.001), and albumin (p < 0.001, <0.001). BMI was tested to be significantly different across subgroups for NLR (p = 0.030) and prevalence of cerebrovascular disease for PLR (p = 0.014). The multivariate analyses demonstrated that not NLR but PLR in Q3 (range, 179–238) was associated with an increased risk of DVT, and the risk for the latter was 1.86 (95%CI, 1.07–3.36).

Conclusion

We concluded that a PLR value of 179–238 was associated with a 1.86-fold increased risk of DVT after femoral neck fracture. This study paves the way toward further exploration of inflammatory/immune biomarkers with the risk of DVT in the elderly with trauma.

Red cell distribution width, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio can predict the development of infection and the number of antibiotics used in elderly patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between complete blood parameters reported to be associated with inflammation and development of complications, length of hospital stays and the number of antibiotics used in elderly patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). Material and Method: Our retrospective study was conducted in a single center and included 72 older patients who underwent rTKA operations. We recorded patients’ firs day preoperative, first day postoperative and 45th day postoperative whole blood parameters. Results: It was found that the development of postoperative infection and the number of antibiotics used were higher in patients with low preoperative Hb values and high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) rates. In patients with high RDW value and high eosinophil-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) one day after surgery, both the development of infection (P=0.002, P=0.002) and the number of antibiotics used during follow-up were found to be significantly higher ​(P

Analysis of high-risk factors for preoperative DVT in elderly patients with simple hip fractures and construction of a nomogram prediction model

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are anatomically classified in relation to femoral neck, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures. Simple hip fractures discussed in this study are femoral neck fractures or intertrochanteric fractures, which are the most common types of hip fractures. Controversy remains regarding the value of biochemical indices of thrombosis in elderly patients with fractures. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the index admission data in blood draws of elderly patients with hip fractures and their high-risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A nomogram prediction model for DVT was established to facilitate a rapid, accurate, and effective prediction based on the results.

METHODS

The data were based on 562 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, from whom 274 patients were selected for enrollment. The 274 patients were divided into two groups using preoperative vascular color Doppler ultrasonography. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and U tests were conducted, and logistic regression analysis was conducted showing different factors between the two groups. Independent risk factors with statistical significance (P < 0.05) were obtained, and the logistic regression equation and the new variable prediction probability_1 (PRE_1) were constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of risk factors and PRE_1 was drawn to obtain the area under the curve (AUC) and truncation value of each risk factor. Finally, a nomogram prediction model was constructed using the R programming language to calculate the concordance index (C-index).

RESULTS

Time from injury to hospitalization, platelet (PLT) count, D-dimer level, fibrinogen (FIB) level, and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) score were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in elderly patients with hip fractures. The logistic regression equation and PRE_1 were constructed by combining the above factors. ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve for PRE_1 (AUC = 0.808) was greater than that of the other factors. The sensitivity of PRE_1 (sensitivity = 0.756) was also higher than that of the other factors, and the specificity of PRE_1 (specificity = 0.756) was higher than that of two other factors. Moreover, a predictive nomogram was established, and the results showed a high consistency between the actual probability and the predicted probability (C-index = 0.808), indicating a high predictive value in fractures accompanied by DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that SII score could be used as a risk factor in the prediction of DVT occurrence. A nomogram prediction model was constructed by combining 5 independent risk factors: time from injury to admission, PLT count, D-dimer level, FIB level, and SII score, which had high predictive values for fractures accompanied by DVT. This model use is limited to simple hip fracture.

Predictive Role of Blood Cellular Indices and Their Relationship with Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans as Determinants of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we profiled the levels of blood cellular indices, endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and inflammatory biomarkers in a cohort comprised of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, to determine their inter-relationships. Identification of this relationship may provide insight to the complex pathophysiology of PE and the predictive role of blood cellular indices in acute PE patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plasma samples from PE patients and healthy controls were analyzed for thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, IFN-ɣ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, MCP-1, EGF, D-dimer, CRP and MMP-9) using biochip array and ELISA methods. The endogenous GAG levels were quantified using a fluorescence quenching method. The data regarding the blood cellular indices were collected through the review of patient medical records and analyzed to demonstrate their relationship.

RESULTS

The levels of inflammatory biomarkers and endogenous GAGs were elevated in acute PE patients compared to controls (P < .05). Most of the blood cellular indices have shown significant differences in acute PE patients compared to controls (P < .05). The levels of inflammatory biomarkers, endogenous GAGs and the blood cellular indices have shown significant associations in correlation and multivariable analysis. While NLR, PLR and SII were significantly predicting the 30-day mortality, PNR, ELR and EMR were not sufficient to predict 30-day mortality in acute PE.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the increased thrombo-inflammatory response is associated with the release of GAGs and the changes in blood cellular indices. The predictive role of the blood cellular indices for mortality is dependent on their relationship with the inflammatory response.

Cellular Indices and Outcome in Patients with Acute Venous Thromboembolism

Background

Cellular indices provide integrative information about systemic inflammation status which is readily available from routine laboratory parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of three cellular indices in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

The RIETE registry database was used to determine the association between the baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte-ratio (PLR) and systemic-immune-inflammation-index (SII) for 90-day adverse outcomes in patients with acute VTE.

Results

From January 2020 to April 2021, 4487 patients with acute VTE were recruited in the RIETE registry. Of these, 2683 presented with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE); 283 with incidental PE; 1129 with lower-limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT); 175 with upper-limb DVT; 69 with splanchnic vein thrombosis; 142 with superficial vein thrombosis and 20 with retinal vein thrombosis. Mean values were: NLR 5.9 ± 7.1, PLR 190 ± 158 and SII 1459 ± 2028. During the first 90-days, 38 patients (0.8%) developed recurrent DVT, 45 (1.0%) had recurrent PE, 152 (3.4%) suffered major bleeding, and 484 (11%) died. On multivariable analysis, patients with NLR >4.41 were at an increased risk for major bleeding and patients with NLR >4.96 were at the risk of death, while those with SII >1134.5 were at increased risk for death.

Conclusions

This study reports the results of a large cohort to date which evaluate the prognostic value of three cellular indices simultaneously in patients with acute VTE. Results support that none of the three baseline cellular indices were sufficient for prediction of VTE recurrences in acute VTE patients. The patients with higher baseline NLR values were at an increased risk of major bleeding or death, those with high SII values were only at an increased risk for mortality.

Utility of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Literature review and single center experience

BACKGROUND

The role of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers (PIBs) in predicting postoperative morbidity has been assessed in colorectal and otorhinolaryngeal surgery. However, data regarding the role that preoperative inflammatory biomarkers have on morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomiy (PD) are less consistent.

AIM

To assess the utility of PIBs in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

A database of 317 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies performed from April 2003 to November 2018 has been retrospectively analyzed. Data regarding preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR and C-reactive protein (CRP), and postoperative complications of 238 cases have been evaluated. Exclusion criteria were: age < 18-years-old, previous neoadjuvant treatment, absence of data about PIBs, concomitant hematological disorders, and presence of active infections at the moment of the surgery. PIBs were compared using Mann-Whitney’s test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to define the cutoffs. The positive predictive value (PPV) was computed to evaluate the probability to develop complication. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

According to the literature findings, only four papers have been published reporting the relation between the inflammatory biomarkers and PD postoperative morbidity. A combination of preoperative and postoperative inflammatory biomarkers in predicting complications after PD and the utility of preoperative NLR in the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) have been reported. The combination of PIBs and postoperative day-1 drains amylase has been reported to predict the incidence of POPF. According to our results, CRP values were significantly different between patients who had/did not have postoperative complications and abdominal collections (P < 0.05). Notably, patients with preoperative CRP > 8.81 mg/dL were at higher risk of both overall complications and abdominal collections (respectively P = 0.0037, PPV = 0.95, negative predictive value [NPV] = 0.27 and P = 0.016, PPV = 0.59, NPV = 0.68). Preoperative derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) (cut off > 1.47) was also a predictor of abdominal collection (P = 0.021, PPV = 0.48, NPV = 0.71). Combining CRP and dNLR, PPV increased to 0.67. NLR (cut off > 1.65) was significantly associated with postoperative hemorrhage (P = 0.016, PPV = 0.17, NPV = 0.98).

CONCLUSION

PIBs may predict complications after PD. During postoperative care, PIB levels could influence decisions regarding the timing of drains removal and the selection of patients who might benefit from second level diagnostic exams.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Immune/Inflammation Biomarkers for Venous Thromboembolism: Is It Reliable for Clinical Practice?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), has been an important cause of sudden in-hospital death. Studies have shown that the immune/inflammatory response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, with representative markers in the blood including the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune/inflammatory index (SII), etc. However, there is a variety of immune/inflammatory indicators. Moreover, most previous studies have been single-center investigations involving one or two indicators, with varying nature of cases, number of cases and study objectives, thereby making it difficult to reach consensus conclusions with good clinical guidelines. This article reviews the clinical value of immunoinflammatory indicators for VTE based on previous studies, including the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. In conclusion, NLR provides promising predictive capability for the onset and prognosis of VTE and deserves extensive application in clinical practice. PLR also has certain diagnostic and prognostic value, but further studies are warranted to identify its reliability and stability. Monocytes, eosinophils and platelet-related indicators show some clinical association with VTE, although the predictive capabilities are mediocre. SII is of promising potential value for VTE and deserves further investigations. This review will provide new clues and valuable clinical guidance for the diagnosis and therapy of VTE.

Assessing the role of systemic inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of advanced stage keratoconus

PURPOSE

It was aimed to compare the levels of inflammation-related parameters, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in patients with advanced keratoconus (KC) and healthy controls. Also, we evaluated the relationships between these parameters and several corneal topography values used in the KC diagnostic index.

METHODS

Forty patients with advanced and 40 healthy volunteers were included in this study. In the KC group, 20 patients were nonprogressive KC and 20 patients were progressive KC. In all participating individuals, we evaluated detailed ophthalmologic examination findings and complete blood count data, while corneal topographic measurements were also recorded in patients with KC.

RESULTS

The mean NLR value was 2.3 ± 1.19 in the progressive KC group; nonprogressive KC values were 1.99 ± 1.69 and 1.81 ± 0.72 in the control group. Mean PLR value was 113.24 ± 48.44 in the progressive KC group, nonprogressive KC values were 96.47 ± 31.04 and 104.09 ± 35.14 in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between patients with progressive KC, nonprogressive KC, and healthy volunteers in terms of mean NLR and PLR values (P > 0.05). NLR values were found to demonstrate significant positive correlations with the corneal topography parameters, Symmetry Index front (r = 0.278, P = 0.025), KC Vertex front (r = 0.247, P = 0.048), and Baiocchi Calossi Versaci front (r = 0.273, P = 0.028); there was no significant relationship between corneal topography parameters and PLR values.

CONCLUSION

Although there was no significant difference between the progressive KC, nonprogressive KC, and control groups in inflammation parameters such as NLR and PLR, a positive correlation was observed between the NLR value and some corneal topography findings used in the diagnosis of KC. The role of inflammation in the etiology of KC can be better understood by clinical studies and laboratory tests conducted with prospective studies involving a higher number of patients.

Predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for primary patency of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula stenosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with the primary patency of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis.

METHODS

This study conducted a retrospective review of patients with end-stage renal disease referred for hemodialysis AVF stenosis in one center. The study consisted of 114 patients with significant (significant stenosis was defined as a reduction in the caliber of the fistula vein of > 50% with respect to the non-aneurysmal venous segment). AVF stenosis patients were treated with PTA, with conventional balloon angioplasty. The NLR and PLR were calculated from the pre-interventional blood samples. The patients were classified into two groups: group A, primary patency < 12 months (n = 35) and group B, and primary patency ≥ 12 months (n = 79). Comparisons between the groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the factors, NLR and PLR, for association with primary patency AVFs. A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the NLR and PLR cut-off values in the prediction of primary patency time.

RESULTS

There was no difference in gender; age; side of AVF; AVF type; comorbid diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension; or blood parameters such as white cell count, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, C-reactive protein, NLR, or PLR between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the patency rate between the NLR < 4.13 and NLR ≥ 4.13 groups at 12 months (NLR cut-off point = 4.13, p = 0.273). There were statistically significant differences between the primary patency rates of the PLR < 187.86 and PLR ≥ 187.86 groups at 12 months (PLR cut-off point = 187.86, p = 0.023). The cut-off value for PLR for the determination of primary patency was 187.86, with a sensitivity of 57.0% and specificity of 34.4%.

CONCLUSION

An increased level of PLR may be a risk factor for the development of early AVF restenosis after successful PTA. However, more studies are needed to validate this finding.

Time Course of Inflammatory and Procoagulant Markers in the Early Period After Total Hip Replacement

Our study aimed to investigate the levels and time-course of systemic inflammatory and hemostasis markers in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR). The study included 70 patients of both sexes, average age 68.4 ± 10.9 years. Levels of inflammatory and hemostasis markers were measured before surgery (POD 0), a day after the surgery (POD 1) and 5 days after surgery (POD 5). In the postoperative period inflammatory markers increased. The operation provoked a significant increase of CRP on POD 1 in comparison to POD 0 (68.5 ± 5.4 vs 6.8 ± 2.2 μg/mL, p < 0.001) and the additional increase was registered on POD 5 (87.5 ± 8.1 vs 68.5 ± 5.4 μg/mL, p < 0.001). Interleukin-6 significantly increased on POD 1 (251.5 ± 21.6 vs 14.6 ± 7.1 μg/mL, p < 0.001) and after that (POD 5) decreased. After surgery leukocyte count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher compared to POD 0. Activation of coagulation in the postoperative period was shown by increased peak thrombin on POD 5 in comparison to POD 0 (185 ± 27 vs. 124 ± 31 nM, p < 0.001). D-dimer was increased on POD 1 and an additional rise was observed on POD 5. vWF also progressively increased in the observed period. Results of our study showed that after THR systemic inflammatory markers increased and coagulation function was enhanced. Determination of inflammatory and procoagulant markers could help identify patients at risk for cardiovascular thromboembolic events.

High platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts poor survival of elderly patients with hip fracture

Purpose

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been extensively studied in various diseases. However, the relationship between PLR and hip fracture remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PLR would be an independent prognostic factor in elderly hip fracture patients.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2018, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a orthopaedic centre, China. A total of 460 hip fracture patients were included. PLR was calculated as the ratio of platelet to lymphocyte counts and divided into high PLR group (≥ 189) and low PLR group (< 189) by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The relationship between PLR and one year all-cause mortality rate was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Further subgroup analysis stratified by different clinical and biological characteristics was performed to make the results more accurate.

Results

After a median follow-up of 32.0 months (range, 12.0–75.4), 92 patients (mortality rate: 20.0%) died within one year. PLR was significantly higher in dead patients compared with alive patients (p < 0.05), and high PLR group also had a high mortality rate (32.21% vs. 14.15%, p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, high PLR remained an independent predictor for one year all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.41, p = 0.041). Moreover, advanced age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08), male (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06–2.45), CCI ≥ 2 (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.64–4.89), conservative treatment (HR 5.94, 95% CI 3.71–9.73), low haemoglobin level (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04), and low albumin level (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13) were independent risk factors for survival. Furthermore, subgroup analysis results were consistent with the main findings in most stratified groups.

Conclusion

This study highlights that high PLR (≥ 189) is associated with increased one year all-cause mortality in elderly hip fracture patients. As PLR is a simple indicator that can be calculated from the blood routine test, it can be easily performed in usual clinical practice.

Preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers and postoperative day 1 drain amylase value predict grade C pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Postoperative day 1-drains amylase (POD1-DA) values are commonly used to predict the risk of pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Perioperative inflammatory biomarkers have been associated to higher risk of complications in different oncological surgeries. Aim of this study was to investigate the utility of the combination of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers (PIBs) with POD1-DA levels in predicting grade C PF.

Materials and methods

From a prospective collected database of 317 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies, data regarding POD1-DA levels and PIBs as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NRL), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNRL), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were analyzed in 227 cases. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves defined the optimal thresholds for biomarkers and drains amylase values and their accuracy to predict PF. Furthermore, the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) was computed to evaluate the probability to develop PF combining PIBs and drains amylase values. Combination of drains amylase and different PIBs cut-offs were used to evaluate the risk of grade C PF.

Results

A POD1-DA level of 351 U/L significantly predicted PF (sensitivity 82.7%, specificity 76%, AUC 0.836; p < 0.001) with a PPV of 76.5% and a NPV of 82.6%.

POD1-DA levels ≥807 U/L significantly predicted grade C PF (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 64.4%, AUC 0.676; p = 0.004) with a PPV of 17.8% and a NPV of 95.6%.

Notably, this last PPV increased from 17.8% to 89% when PIBs, at different cut-offs, were combined with POD1-DA at the value ≥ 807 U/L.

Conclusion

PIBs significantly improve POD1-DA ability in predicting grade C PF after PD.

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Grade C pancreatic fistula is a major complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

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Postoperative day 1-drain amylase levels is a reliable predictor of pancreatic fistula.

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Systemic inflammatory biomarkers and postoperative day 1-drain amylase levels may predict grade C pancreatic fistula.

Relationship between the inflammation/immune indexes and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence rate following tibial plateau fractures

Objective

To determine the relationship between inflammation/immune-based indexes and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence rate following tibial plateau fractures

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data on patients undergoing surgeries of tibial plateau fractures between October 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) was routinely used to screen for preoperative DVT of bilateral lower extremities. Data on biomarkers (neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts) at admission were collected, based on which neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte (MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, neutrophil* platelet/lymphocyte) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the optimal cutoff value for each variable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each biomarker or index with DVT, after adjustment for demographics, co-morbidities, and injury-related variables.

Results

Among 1179 patients included, 16.3% (192/1179) of them had a preoperative DVT. Four factors were identified to be significantly associated with DVT, including open fracture, increased D-dimer level. Among the biomarkers and indexes, only platelet and neutrophil were identified to be independently associated with DVT, and the significance remained after exclusion of open fracture. The other independent variables were elevated D-dimer level (> 0.55 mg/L), male gender, and hypertension in the sensitivity analysis with open fractures excluded.

Conclusion

These identified factors are conducive to the initial screening for patients at risk of DVT, individualized risk assessment, risk stratification, and accordingly, development of targeted prevention programs.

Utility of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio to support the diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether routine complete blood count parameters such as the mean platelet volume, red cell distribution width, white blood cell and platelet counts, and novel inflammatory biomarkers such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio could be used as the predictors of acute deep vein thrombosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 68 patients (29 males, 39 females; mean age 55.2±1.6 years; range, 22 to 80 years) with acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and 34 healthy controls (15 males, 19 females; mean age 52.8±2.5 years; range, 21 to 77 years) without acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis between March 2016 and August 2018. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participant and laboratory data including complete blood count parameters were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant predictors of deep vein thrombosis.

Results

Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the groups. According to the univariate analysis, platelet count and red cell distribution width were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. However, the red cell distribution width was not considered a significant predictor of acute deep vein thrombosis. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet count were significant predictors of acute deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our study results show that the platelet-tolymphocyte ratio may be a useful biomarker to support the diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis.

The role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume in detecting patients with acute venous thromboembolism

Background

Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the extremities or pulmonary embolism (PE), or to both. Reliable imaging is not always available making a serologic diagnosis, or biomarker, highly desirable.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the role of neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) in detection patients with acute VTE.

Methods

A total of 327 patients with initial diagnosis of acute VTE who were admitted to Ziv hospital were evaluated. Of them, 272 patients with definitive diagnosis of VTE, and 55 patients without VTE were used as control group. Complete blood count (CBC), measurements of NLR, MPV, and PLR were determined at admission.

Results

Patients with VTE were older than controls (62 ± 18.9 vs 55.4 ± 15.1 years, respectively, P = .03). Female gender was predominant in the two groups. In the study group, 178/272 (66%) had DVT, 84/272 (31%) had pulmonary embolism (PE), and the rest had DVT and PE. NLR, MPV, and PLR were found to be significantly elevated in acute VTE compared to control (P < .001, P = .008, P = .014, respectively). A ROC curve analysis of NLR and MPV for predicting acute VTE was performed which found a cut‐off value of 5.3 for NLR, an area under curve of (0.67 (0.60‐0.75), P < .001, with a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 57%. and a cut‐off value of 8.6 for MPV, an area under curve of (0.61 [0.53‐0.68], P = .014, with a sensitivity of 52% and specificity of 67%. Multivariate logistic regression model found that NLR (OR 1.2, 95% CI [1.01‐1.4], P = .041) and MPV (OR 1.5, 95%CI [1.07‐2.12], P = .5) were associated with acute VTE.

Conclusions

Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and MPV could be beneficial predictors for the early detection of potential acute VTE.

Predictive value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio for acute deep vein thrombosis after total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective study

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most dangerous complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Systemic inflammation has proved to have a great contribution to thrombosis and has been considered as a risk factor for DVT recently. The lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) are two biomarkers used widely for systemic inflammation. This study aims to find out the potential predictive value of LMR and MHR for DVT after TJA.

Methods

A total of 853 patients who underwent primary TJA were finally included in this retrospective study. Acute DVT after TJA was evaluated by venography. Preoperative and postoperative LMR and MHR were calculated according to the blood routine test and blood biochemistry test. The association between LMR or MHR and DVT and their predictive value were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis and ROC curve respectively.

Results

Totally, 126 patients (14.8%) were diagnosed with DVT by venography. Patients with DVT had a significantly higher level of preoperative MHR (P < 0.001) and postoperative MHR (P < 0.001), along with a significantly lower level of preoperative LMR (P < 0.001) and postoperative LMR (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression indicated that BMI (OR = 1.10, P = 0.001), preoperative LMR (OR = 0.72, P<0.001), and postoperative LMR (OR = 0.32, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DVT. Besides, BMI (OR = 1.17, P = 0.001), female (OR = 4.6, P = 0.004), preoperative MHR (OR = 10.43, P = 0.008), postoperative Hb (OR = 0.96, P = 0.002), and postoperative LMR were independently associated with symptomatic DVT. The ROC curve suggested that the postoperative LMR had a potential to predict DVT after TJA.

Conclusion

In summary, the present study found out a significant association of perioperative LMR or MHR with DVT after TJA. Moreover, the postoperative LMR had a potential to predict DVT accurately.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of postoperative morbidity in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma

Systemic inflammatory-, immunological- and nutritional-based indices, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), are drawing considerable research attention to predict the long-term prognosis of many types of cancer. Recently, these parameters have also been reported to be useful in predicting postoperative morbidity in several fields, including colorectal and otolaryngological cancer. However, while distal cholangiocarcinoma exhibits a high morbidity rate, its risk factors of morbidity have not yet been established. This is because previous studies have analyzed distal cholangiocarcinoma as periampullary tumors combined with pancreatic head cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the application of the NLR, the PNI and the GPS in evaluating risk factors for postoperative morbidity in patients with distal cholangiocellular or ampullary carcinoma. Eighty-four patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for distal cholangiocellular or ampullary carcinoma at the Department of Surgery in Kitasato University Hospital between 2008 and 2016 were enrolled. Associations between perioperative characteristics (NLR, PNI and GPS) and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or higher) were retrospectively analyzed. In the univariate analysis, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, body mass index (BMI) and the NLR were associated with postoperative complications (P<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, BMI [>23.0 kg/m²; odds ratio (OR): 3.80, 95.0% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–11.83; P=0.011] and the NLR (>2.0; OR: 6.77, 95.0% CI: 2.44–21.13; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. BMI and the NLR are valuable predictors of postoperative morbidity following PD in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. It would be beneficial to determine treatment strategies for distal cholangiocarcinoma based on the NLR to reduce postoperative complications.