Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Potential Biomarker of Neovascular Glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate blood count-derived inflammation indexes as a detection or predictive marker for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: This was a retrospective, case-control study design. The level of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (N), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) were evaluated in NVG patients secondary to RVO or DR. Results: A significant difference was found in those biomarkers between control group and NVG secondary to RVO or DR. Logistic regression analysis revealed these indexes were associated with the risk of NVG in DR and RVO patients. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between NLR and visual fields mean deviation in the NVG-RVO group. Conclusions: This study indicated that WBC, N, NLR, and LMR were related to NVG, and NLR may be useful as an potential inflammation biomarker indicating the risk and severity for NVG secondary to RVO.

Automated summary

This retrospective case-control study evaluated blood count-derived inflammation indexes in patients with NVG secondary to RVO or DR, finding a significant association with the risk of NVG. Notably, NLR may serve as a potential inflammation biomarker indicating the risk and severity of NVG secondary to RVO.