The central nervous system to serum albumin quotient and platelet to lymphocyte ratio could be used as independent markers to assess the severity of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new study that was published in the journal Neurological Sciences.
“These findings provide valuable insights into the risk and pathogenesis of NMOSD,” the researchers wrote.
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To assess the link between blood-brain barrier biomarkers and the severity of NMOSD, a team of researchers conducted a retrospective study in 72 patients with NMOSD and 72 healthy volunteers.
The results showed that patients had significantly higher platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios than healthy people. They also had higher levels of C-reactive protein.
Patients whose Expanded Disability Status Scale was 4 or above had significantly high levels of central nervous system to serum albumin quotient, central nervous system to blood immunoglobulin G, A, and M quotients, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of disability and these markers.
In particular, the central nervous system to serum albumin quotient and platelet to lymphocyte ratio were independent factors in assessing disease severity in NMOSD.
“Our findings provide valuable insights into the risk and pathogenesis of NMOSD, warranting further investigation,” the authors concluded.
NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that the disease is characterized by the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, allowing immune cells leading to inflammation to infiltrate the central nervous system, causing damage. This results in symptoms such as vision loss, disability, and even death in most severe cases.
Reference
Yan H, Wang Y, Li Y, et al. Combined platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and blood-brain barrier biomarkers as indicators of disability in acute neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Neurol Sci. Published online September 7, 2023. doi:10.1007/s10072-023-07058-3
