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Research Paper | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 76 - 78 | India
Assessment of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) as Markers of Severity in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health burden. Acute exacerbations (AECOPD) are primary causes of hospitalization and mortality. This study evaluates the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) as accessible, cost-effective markers of systemic inflammation and disease severity during these acute events. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 AECOPD patients over 18 months at NMCH & RC, Raichur. Patients were staged using Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. NLR and PLR were calculated from routine complete blood counts. Results: The mean age of the cohort was was 67.14±8.03 years, with a 9:1 male predominance. Mean NLR significantly correlated with disease stage: Stage 1: 3.73±0.18, Stage 2: 6.07±1.27, Stage 3: 6.02±1.14, and Stage 4: 8.19±2.66 (p < 0.05). Mean PLR also showed significant variation (p < 0.05), peaking at Stage 2 (22219.93 ± 7797.9). NLR and PLR were significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both NLR and PLR are useful tools for evaluating inflammation and severity in AECOPD, though NLR demonstrates higher specificity for disease progression.
Keywords: COPD, Gold criteria, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Spirometry, Pulmonary function test
How to Cite?: Dr Likitha Gutta, Dr Payal Bhole, Dr Pratik Nerlekar, "Assessment of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) as Markers of Severity in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 76-78, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26501094836, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26501094836