Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as biomarkers for cardiovascular surgery procedures. A literature review

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied so far as prognostic factors of cardiovascular diseases. Their role interplayed with endothelial inflammation, has emerged as optimal predictors for major cardiovascular disease events and as prognostic factors for post-procedural outcomes. Methods: A review of the current literature was undertaken to investigate the relationship between NLR and PLR with percutaneous, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery procedures. Results: Our findings show that perioperative NLR and PLR levels are significantly correlated with patient morbidity and mortality rates. Conclusions: These biomarkers have several attractive characteristics, as they are inexpensive and quickly available, and they can contribute to the early identification of patients at high risk for periprocedural adverse events.