A retrospective analysis of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and lymphopenia as an indicator for disease severity in COVID-19

Objective: To determine the predictive value of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphopenia in Covid-19 patients. Methodology: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, confirmed and suspected cases of COVID- 19 admitted in DUHS hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 were included. The age, gender, white cell count, lymphocyte count and NLR of the patients were recorded. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 20. Results: Out of 929 patients, 345 (37.1%) were female and 584 (62.9%) males. Mean age was 49.7 +/- 16.9 years. Both TLC and platelets count were found highly significant (p<0.01). A weak correlation was found of normal and leukocytosis with age at both days. The decrease change observed was more as compared to static and increase in both parameter's TLC and NLR. The proportions difference was found significant (p<0.001) for both TLC and NLR. Conclusion: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an economic tool and significant prognostic predictor that can be easily accommodated in laboratories in developing countries.