BACKGROUND: Our previous study found that lower lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an independent risk factor of clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, whether lower LMR is independently associated with adverse prognosis of AIS treated with thrombolysis has not been determined. In this study, we explored the relationship between LMR and prognosis of AIS treated with thrombolysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 108 patients treated with thrombolysis. LMR was calculated according to lymphocyte count and monocyte count on admission. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to LMR values on admission (group 1 LMR >4.34, group 2 LMR 2.79 to 4.34, group 3 LMR <2.79). Neurologic impairment was estimated by use of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Clinical prognosis at 3 months was assessed by modified Rankin Scale. The relationship between LMR and neurologic impairment was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the ability of LMR to predict outcome.

RESULTS: Patients in group 3 had lower lymphocyte counts and LMR values and higher monocyte counts (P<0.001). LMR value was negatively correlated with the degree of neurologic impairment (r=–0.372, P<0.001). The ROC suggested a moderate sensitivity (71.6%) and specificity (80.5%) of LMR for predicting prognosis with an optimal cut-off point at 3.48. Higher LMR value was an independent protective factor against adverse prognosis (odds ratio 0.683, 95% confidence interval 0.490–0.952, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: A lower LMR value is an independent predictor of poor prognosis of AIS treated with thrombolytic therapy.

Keywords: Lymphocyte Count, Monocytes, Stroke, Thrombolytic Therapy