The effect of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic inflammatory response on perihematomal edema after intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Perihematomal edema (PHE) is a marker of secondary brain injury in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is associated with increased inflammatory markers and neurological disability. This study aims to assess the effect of the neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on PHE measurements and functional status in patients with ICH.

Methods: We included 215 patients with primary ICH and the primary outcomes were absolute and relative PHE, and edema extension distance (EED). A favorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2 measured 3 months after ICH.

Results: Median age was 73.0 years (interquartile range 66-80) and 54.4% patients were males. Fifty-nine patients were functionally independent at 90 days (mRS 0 to 2). NLR and SIRS were not predictors of absolute, relative PHE, and EED when adjusted for multiple confounders. However, admission NLR was independently associated with an unfavorable functional outcome at 90 days (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.17-0.87; p = 0.021).

Conclusions: NLR and SIRS are not independent predictors of absolute and relative PHE measurements following ICH. Nevertheless, NLR predicts long-term disability in ICH patients. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which inflammation causes neurological injury in ICH.

Keywords: Intracerebral hemorrhage; Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; Perihematomal edema; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome.