Associations between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, albuminuria and uric acid and the estimated glomerular filtration rate in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease stages 1–3

Abstract

Introduction

The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albuminuria and uric acid are known to be independent predictors of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. However, to date, no study has been conducted describing the relationships between the NLR, PLR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not require renal replacement therapy.

Material and methods

This prospective study included 271 patients with essential hypertension and eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m ². The patients were divided into two groups: those with CKD stages 1 and 2 and those with stage 3. We used the complete blood count to calculate the NLR and PLR, and we measured the albuminuria and uric acid levels. Then, we studied their associations with the eGFR and their potential uses as independent risk factors for renal damage.

Results

The NLR, albuminuria and uric acid were higher in patients with CKD stage 3 than in those with stages 1 and 2 ( p = 0.013, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, no significant difference was detected in the PLR. In stage 3 patients, albuminuria and uric acid were found to be independent risk factors affecting the eGFR ( p = 0.042 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, the effects of the NLR and PLR on the eGFR were not significant ( p = 0.104 and p = 0.578, respectively).

Conclusions

The NLR, similar to albuminuria and uric acid, the NLR was found to be a specific marker for CKD stage 3 patients. However, the NLR and PLR did not act as independent risk factors affecting the eGFR.