Correlation between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with hematological parameters in multiple myeloma patients

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of clonal plasma cells. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostic factors and biomarkers of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine a correlation between NLR, PLR, and hematological parameters in patients with MM. Methods: The clinical data of 50 MM patients were collected from hospital medical records. NLR and PLR were calculated from data obtained from clinical records. Results: The median age was 60 years at diagnosis. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on cutoff points taken from previously published data (NLR: 2.56 and PLR: 157). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood urea, uric acid, platelet count, and absolute neutrophil count were higher in patients with high NLR than in patients with low NLR. A significant association between NLR and blood urea was seen (P < 0.0018). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation for blood urea and NLR, uric acid and NLR, and blood urea and PLR. Conclusion: Thus, combined applications of NLR and PLR could be used as a cost-effective diagnostic predictor of MM patients.