Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Aspartate-to-Alanine Aminotransferase, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Severity and Side of Carotid Artery Stenosis: Are Those Significant?

Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that leads to mortality and morbidity by affecting arterial vascular structures. Carotid artery is one of these arterial structures and occlusive disease of carotid artery may cause stroke or cranial ischemic infarction. Inflammation plays a role in the atherosclerotic process. In this study, we aimed to discuss the relationship between the severity and side of carotid artery occlusion and novel inflammatory parameters include platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to- lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and aspartate-to-alanine aminotransferase ratios. Methods One-hundred-fifteen patients who had carotid artery stenosis between 50%-99% and 115 healthy subjects with no carotid artery stenosis or additional disease were included in the study. The relationship between the side and degree of the lesion and platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and aspartate-to-alanine aminotransferase ratios were studied in the patient group. The patients with carotid artery stenosis and the healthy subjects were compared, in the terms of same parameters. Data were evaluated statistically. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the groups, in the terms of platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and aspartate-to-alanine aminotransferase ratios and the degree of stenosis. There was no statistically significant difference between the sides of the lesions and the parameters above except lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. It was statistically significantly higher in left-sided lesions. Aspartate-to- alanine aminotransferase and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were markedly higher in the patient group, when compared to controls. Conclusion Platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and aspartate-to- alanine aminotransferase ratios are inexpensive, easy, fast, and reproducible parameters that can be used in determining the prediction of carotid artery stenosis.