Evaluation of Inflammation with Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Restless Legs Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic, progressive sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the extremities-especially the legs-and abnormal sensations. Although symptoms are observed during the night at the initial stage of the disease, as the disease progresses, they can be observed at rest during the day. It is seen in 5-15% of the population. We aimed to evaluate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic inflammation in patients with RLS based on the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms may play a role in the pathophysiology of RLS.

Materials and Methods: A total of 62 patients with RLS and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study and the sociodemographic characteristics of both groups were examined. Routine biochemistry and hemogram studies were performed on all patients. NLR was obtained by dividing the absolute number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes and PLR by dividing the absolute platelet count by the lymphocyte count.

Results: When the NLR levels were evaluated, no significant difference was found between the patient group (1.80 +/- 1.10) and the control group (2.01 +/- 0.67) (p=0.26). PLR was higher in the RLS group (104.86 +/- 46.52) than in the control group (97.78 +/- 39.09), but it was not statistically significant (p=0.45). When vitamin B12 and folate levels were evaluated, there was no significant difference between the patient and control groups. Ferritin levels were significantly lower in the patient group (p=0.03).

Conclusion: When we evaluated NLR and PLR in the patients with RLS, it was determined that there was no significant difference in either parameter. It can be assumed that hematologic parameters such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets are easily affected by various conditions, or may be due to the small number of patients. Identifying new bio-indicators that will probably show systematic inflammation and neuro inflammation will clarify this issue in the future.