Next Article in Journal
Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain: Time to Reconsider the Skeptical Attitude?
Next Article in Special Issue
ColorViz, a New and Rapid Tool for Assessing Collateral Circulation during Stroke
Previous Article in Journal
Semantic Processing in Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of the N400 Differences
Previous Article in Special Issue
Effect of Brain Lesions on Voluntary Cough in Patients with Supratentorial Stroke: An Observational Study
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Revascularization

1
Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland
2
Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland
3
Department of Pathophysiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
4
Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(11), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110771
Submission received: 21 September 2020 / Revised: 17 October 2020 / Accepted: 22 October 2020 / Published: 23 October 2020

Abstract

:
Objectives: Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT) is a life-threatening complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The early identification of the patients at increased risk of sHT can have clinically relevant implications. The aim of this study was to explore the validity and accuracy of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting sHT in patients with AIS undergoing revascularization. Methods: Consecutive patients hospitalized for AIS who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or both were identified. The NLR values were estimated at admission. The study endpoint was the occurrence of sHT within 24 h from stroke treatment. Results: Fifty-one patients with AIS were included, with a median age of 67 (interquartile range, 55–78) years. sHT occurred in 10 (19.6%) patients. Patients who developed sHT had higher NLR at admission. NLR was an independent predictor of sHT and showed good discriminatory power (area under the curve 0.81). In a multivariable analysis, NLR and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with sHT. Conclusions: NLR at admission can accurately predict sHT in patients with AIS undergoing revascularization.

1. Introduction

Stroke is one of the main causes of death and long-term disability in adults [1] and the prediction of outcome represents a major clinical goal and research field. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are currently the standard treatments for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) [2,3]. They can improve the functional recovery of patients, but they are also associated with an increased risk of bleeding [4,5,6,7].
Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a complication of AIS, and it can be part of the natural course and evolution of ischemic lesions and may be also induced or favored by reperfusion therapy. Hemorrhagic transformation occurs in about 10% to 40% of the patients with AIS and can range from minor petechial bleeding (hemorrhagic infarct) to major, mass-producing hemorrhage (parenchymal hematoma) [8]. Recent IVT trials have reported a rate of any HT up to 46% [9]. Symptomatic HT (sHT) occurs less frequently, and an incidence of 4.4% was reported in the meta-analysis of the Highly Effective Reperfusion evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials (HERMES) collaboration [7]. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation is associated with worsening of neurological status, results in prolonged hospital stay and increases the risk of mortality.
The early identification of the patients at increased risk of sHT after cerebral infarction can have practical implications. Factors already associated with sHT include advanced age, massive cerebral infarct involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, high blood pressure (BP), hyperglycemia, and treatment with antiplatelets or oral anticoagulants [10,11,12,13,14]. Although preliminary reports have described risk factors for HT after IVT, data remain not conclusive [15]. Furthermore, there is a gap in the understanding of risk factors for sHT when MT is used, alone or in combination with IVT.
Ischemic stroke elicits a robust activation of the immune system. Within 30 min of focal cerebral ischemia, circulating leukocytes adhere to vascular endothelial cells [16]. Leukocyte adhesion and migration across the vasculature activate a number of signaling cascades (e.g., protein kinase C, focal adhesion kinase) that increase brain–blood barrier (BBB) permeability. In humans, infiltration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-positive neutrophils is associated with BBB breakdown, basal lamina type IV collagen degradation, and HT [17].
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is seen as a systemic marker of subclinical inflammation, and an increased ratio is of prognostic value in several disorders. The association between the NLR and HT in AIS has not been fully explored yet. Previous studies have shown that NLR is a predictor of functional outcome in patients with AIS and intracerebral hemorrhage [18,19,20], but their clinical usefulness in sHT after IVT and MT is unknown.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between the total and differential leukocyte counts and the NLR at admission with the occurrence of sHT in patients with AIS who underwent treatment with IVT and/or MT.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Population

We retrospectively identified consecutive AIS patients who underwent treatment with IVT and/or MT (January 2017 to December 2018) and were hospitalized within 24 h from symptom onset at the Interventional Stroke Treatment Center at the University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Exclusion criteria were: (1) hemorrhagic stroke, (2) transient ischemic attack, (3) recent myocardial infarction (30 days prior to the study), (4) clinical features of infection, (5) liver or kidney failure, (6) history of cancer, (7) oral steroid therapy, (8) pregnancy, and (9) inability to give informed consent. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, arterial dissection, or procedural intracerebral hemorrhage (i.e., intracerebral hemorrhage associated with the thrombectomy procedure itself, secondary bleeding in the perforation site) were also excluded.
Diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made by the same experienced neurologist (M.S.) and confirmed with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Stroke etiology was determined in accordance with the criteria of the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) and the anatomical extent was categorized according to the classification of the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) [21,22]. Data about demographics, vascular risk factors, medical history, baseline stroke severity according to the NIHSS score, and admission BP values were collected. The ischemic lesion extension was estimated according to the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on head CT performed in an emergency, prior to causal treatment.
The venous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples were collected at admission. Peripheral-venous blood was drawn for the assessment of complete blood count (CBC) and included leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed using an automated blood counter (XT-4000i, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan). The NLR was calculated as the ratio of the absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count.
Patients received IVT and/or MT in accordance with the recommendations of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association [6]. IVT was performed up to 4.5 h and MT, either alone or in combination with IVT, was performed up to 6 h after the onset of stroke symptoms. A thrombectomy was performed by the same interventional radiologist in patients with a confirmed obstruction in the middle cerebral artery (M1/M2) or basilar artery. The endovascular treatment was performed using a stent retriever. The degree of recanalization was assessed using the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale [23]. CT and MRI imaging was performed routinely for any patient 24 h after treatment as well as individually in case of neurological deterioration. sHT was defined as parenchymal hematoma (PH) >30% of the infarcted area with a significant space-occupying effect or clot remote from the infarcted area (PH2 according to the criteria of the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS)) [24,25,26] associated with a worsening of the NIHSS score by four or more points within 24 h from stroke onset [27].

2.2. Statistical Analysis

The normal distribution of each continuous variable was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Values were reported as medians (interquartile ranges) and comparisons were made with the Mann–Whitney U test. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and ratios and compared with Pearson’s χ2 tests.
The association of the variables with p < 0.05 from a comparison of baseline characteristics and selected variables (age, sex) with the occurrence of sHT was determined using a logistic regression analysis. According to Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) analysis, the optimal cut-off value was determined as the point maximizing the Youden function, which is the difference between the true positive rate and false positive rate over all possible cut-off point values. Results were considered significant for p values < 0.05 (2 sided). The STATISTICA software was used (version 13.3, TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA).

2.3. Standard Protocol Approvals, Registrations, and Patient Consents

The study protocol was verified and approved by the Bioethical Commission (KB 694/2016) at the Collegium Medicum UMK (Bydgoszcz, Poland).

2.4. Data Availability

Anonymized data will be shared by request from any qualified investigator.

3. Results

A total of 281 patients diagnosed with AIS and undergoing causal treatment were admitted. After the exclusion of 230 patients, 51 patients were selected. The reasons of exclusion were (1) evidence of active infection before admission or any systemic infection that occurred during the first 48 h after casual treatment (194 patients); (2) cancer, chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, or steroid therapy (10 patients); (3) unavailability to complete blood cell count or medical records (26 patients, who were discharged on the same day of admission). Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was administered intravenously to 45 patients, 17 of whom also received MT. Six patients underwent MT alone as they exceeded the time window (>4.5 h) for the IVT.
Demographics and clinical characteristics of the study population are summarized in Table 1. The study population consisted of 22 males and 29 females, with a median age of 67 (IQR, 55–78) years. A total of 10 out of 51 (19.6%) patients experienced sHT. As shown in Table 1, patients who presented sHT had higher systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), higher serum creatinine (sCr), higher numbers of neutrophils (NEUTs) and lower numbers of lymphocytes (LYMPHs) and platelets (PLTs). The NLR was significantly higher (p = 0.002) in patients with sHT than those without sHT. There were no significant differences between the subgroups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, use of antiplatelets and oral anticoagulants before stroke, left ventricular ejection fraction function, liver function, low-density lipoprotein, glucose level, white blood cell, red blood cell, monocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit and blood coagulation parameters as the international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time.
The stroke characteristics of included patients are summarized in Table 2. Cardioembolism and large artery atherosclerosis were the most common etiologies within the group of patients with sHT, whereas stroke of unknown etiology was prevalent in the non-hemorrhagic group. Patients with sHT showed a more severe neurological deficit at admission as assessed by the NIHSS score (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found across the groups in size and location of cerebral infarct, ASPECT scale score at admission, and rate of vascular recanalization. The rate of sHT was significantly higher in patients undergoing IVT combined with MT or MT alone than patients treated with IVT alone. (Table 2).
For the multiple logistic regression analysis, sHT was independently associated with NLR (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.63, p = 0.009) and SBP (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11, p = 0.013); no associations were found with age, sex, NIHSS, NEUTs, LYMPHs, DBP, sCR and PLTs.
ROC curves were generated for the variables that were significantly different between patients with and without sHT for a univariate comparison. The details referring to the area under the curve (AUC), the sensitivity, and the specificity for each variable are shown in Table 3.

4. Discussion

This study has shown that NLR can be a good predictor of sHT in AIS patients being higher NLR at admission associated with a greater risk of hemorrhagic transformation and neurological worsening within the first 24 h from revascularization with IVT and/or MT.
The search for prognostic factors of ischemic stroke, including serious complications such as hemorrhage, remains a clinical issue. The main goal of this study was to identify a simple indicator that could reliably predict early hemorrhagic transformation after revascularization.
Earlier studies suggested that hemorrhagic transformation itself can have detrimental effects on the clinical course of stroke, and the influence of HT on outcome depends largely on its type. So far, it has been found that parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2) can change the clinical course of stroke and represents a significant predictor of neurological deterioration and higher mortality [28,29,30,31]. NLR is a laboratory biomarker that has already been described in many studies. As a marker of stroke-related, acute inflammatory response, it has been shown to be a good predictor of outcomes. In most studies, high NLR values have been associated with a worse functional status of patients after AIS [32,33,34]. However, it should be noted that these studies mainly focused on patients undergoing IVT alone. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the first concerning patients treated with IVT combined with MT or MT alone. After ischemic stroke has occurred, tissue hypoxia promotes an inflammatory reaction within brain parenchyma [35]. Circulating neutrophils are recruited to the site of brain damage shortly after ischemia. Neutrophils are among the first cells to penetrate hypoxic tissue, and this happens within the first hours after reperfusion. Neutrophils can cause damage to the BBB and contribute to the injury of surrounding tissues [8,36,37,38]. Recently, Maestrini et al. reported that higher neutrophil counts and NLR before thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia were independently associated with sICH and worse 3-month outcome [32]. Conversely, NLR values before IVT did not significantly predict IV effectiveness and functional status after stroke in the study by Pektezel et al. [39]. Additionally, high NLR values were found to be a good predictor of early neurological deterioration and poor 3-month functional status in patients who had hemorrhagic stroke [40,41,42].
We found significantly higher values of NLR at admission in patients with sHT, where hemorrhage occurred within 24 h from treatment. In this regard, there is evidence suggesting that bleeding occurring within 24 h, and up to 36 h, should be interpreted as a complication of treatment, whereas a hemorrhage that develops after a longer time interval should not be regarded as a direct result of revascularization procedures [43,44]. Remarkably, in building decision models, it is important to determine the optimal cut-off point value. In our research, the best threshold of the NLR at admission for sHT occurrence was 9.68, which is consistent with previous observations [45,46,47,48].
This study does have different limitations. First of all, the sample size was small. Second, the retrospective design and single-center nature of the study could have led to selection bias and limit the generalizability of results. Third, the exact time intervals between the onset of stroke symptoms and the initiation of treatment or blood draw were not available. Further research is justified and required to validate these findings in independent cohorts and explore the dynamic changes of NLR values over time. The main strengths of the study included the use of widely accessible laboratory variables and the cost effectiveness of the NLR.

5. Conclusions

In summary, the NLR can be a simple, readily available and inexpensive tool for the early identification of patients at an increased risk of early symptomatic hemorrhage after recanalization in AIS. Further understanding of the key players of the inflammatory response may help to identify therapeutic strategies.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.Ś., A.S. and S.L.; methodology, M.Ś. and S.L.; software, N.P.-S.; validation, M.Ś. and S.L.; formal analysis, M.Ś., A.S. and N.P.-S.; investigation, M.Ś. and S.L.; resources, M.Ś.; data curation, M.Ś. and N.P.-S.; writing—original draft preparation, M.Ś., S.L. and A.S.; writing—review and editing, M.Ś., S.L. and A.S.; visualization, N.P.-S.; supervision, S.L., E.Ż. and P.S.; project administration, M.Ś. and S.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Hasan, T.F.; Rabinstein, A.A.; Middlebrooks, E.H.; Haranhalli, N.; Silliman, S.L.; Meschia, J.F.; Tawk, R.G. Diagnosis and Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke. Mayo Clin. Proc. 2018, 93, 523–538. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  2. Saver, J.L.; Goyal, M.; Bonafe, A.; Diener, H.-C.; Levy, E.I.; Pereira, V.M.; Albers, G.W.; Cognard, C.; Cohen, D.J.; Hacke, W.; et al. Stent-Retriever Thrombectomy after Intravenous t-PA vs. t-PA Alone in Stroke. N. Engl. J. Med. 2015, 372, 2285–2295. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  3. Goyal, M.; Demchuk, A.M.; Menon, B.K.; Eesa, M.; Rempel, J.L.; Thornton, J.; Roy, D.; Jovin, T.G.; Willinsky, R.A.; Sapkota, B.L.; et al. Randomized Assessment of Rapid Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke. N. Engl. J. Med. 2015, 372, 1019–1030. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Chandra, R.V.; Leslie-Mazwi, T.M.; Mehta, B.P.; Derdeyn, C.P.; Demchuk, A.M.; Menon, B.K.; Goyal, M.; González, R.G.; A Hirsch, J. Does the use of IV tPA in the current era of rapid and predictable recanalization by mechanical embolectomy represent good value? J. NeuroInterventional Surg. 2016, 8, 443–446. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Sussman, E.S.; Connolly, E.S. Hemorrhagic Transformation: A Review of the Rate of Hemorrhage in the Major Clinical Trials of Acute Ischemic Stroke. Front. Neurol. 2013, 4, 69. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  6. Powers, W.J.; Derdeyn, C.P.; Biller, J.; Coffey, C.S.; Hoh, B.L.; Jauch, E.C.; Johnston, K.C.; Johnston, S.C.; Khalessi, A.A.; Kidwell, C.S.; et al. 2015 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Focused Update of the 2013 Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Regarding Endovascular Treatment. Stroke 2015, 46, 3020–3035. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  7. Goyal, M.; Menon, B.K.; Van Zwam, W.H.; Dippel, D.W.J.; Mitchell, P.J.; Demchuk, A.M.; Dávalos, A.; Majoie, C.; Van Der Lugt, A.; De Miquel, M.A.; et al. Endovascular thrombectomy after large-vessel ischaemic stroke: A meta-analysis of individual patient data from five randomised trials. Lancet 2016, 387, 1723–1731. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Jickling, G.C.; Liu, D.; Stamova, B.; Ander, B.P.; Zhan, X.; Lu, A.; Sharp, F.R. Hemorrhagic Transformation after Ischemic Stroke in Animals and Humans. Br. J. Pharmacol. 2013, 34, 185–199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  9. Bracard, S.; Ducrocq, X.; Mas, J.L.; Soudant, M.; Oppenheim, C.; Moulin, T.; Guillemin, F. Mechanical thrombectomy after intravenous alteplase versus alteplase alone after stroke (THRACE): A randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016, 15, 1138–1147. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Nogueira, R.G.; Gupta, R.; Jovin, T.G.; Levy, E.I.; Liebeskind, D.S.; Zaidat, O.O.; Rai, A.; Hirsch, J.A.; Hsu, D.P.; Rymer, M.M.; et al. Predictors and clinical relevance of hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular therapy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes: A multicenter retrospective analysis of 1122 patients. J. NeuroInterventional Surg. 2014, 7, 16–21. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Sugiura, Y.; Yamagami, H.; Sakai, N.; Yoshimura, S. Predictors of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage after Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion. J. Stroke Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2017, 26, 766–771. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Hao, Y.; Yang, D.; Wang, H.; Zi, W.; Zhang, M.; Geng, Y.; Zhou, Z.; Wang, W.; Xu, H.; Tian, X.; et al. Predictors for Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2017, 48, 1203–1209. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Subramaniam, S.; Hill, M.D. Massive Cerebral Infarction. The Neurol. 2005, 11, 150–160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Capes, S.E.; Hunt, D.; Malmberg, K.; Pathak, P.; Gerstein, H.C. Stress Hyperglycemia and Prognosis of Stroke in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Patients. Stroke 2001, 32, 2426–2432. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  15. Whiteley, W.; Slot, K.B.; Fernandes, P.; Sandercock, P.; Wardlaw, J. Risk Factors for Intracranial Hemorrhage in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 55 Studies. Stroke 2012, 43, 2904–2909. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Khatri, R.; McKinney, A.M.; Swenson, B.; Janardhan, V. Blood-brain barrier, reperfusion injury, and hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke. Neurology 2012, 79, S52–S57. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  17. Rosell, A.; Cuadrado, E.; Ortega-Aznar, A.; Hernández-Guillamon, M.; Lo, E.H.; Montaner, J. MMP-9–Positive Neutrophil Infiltration Is Associated to Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown and Basal Lamina Type IV Collagen Degradation During Hemorrhagic Transformation After Human Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2008, 39, 1121–1126. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  18. Giede-Jeppe, A.; Madžar, D.; Sembill, J.A.; Sprügel, M.I.; Atay, S.; Hoelter, P.; Lücking, H.; Huttner, H.B.; Bobinger, T. Increased Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated with Unfavorable Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Neurocritical Care 2019, 33, 97–104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  19. Song, Q.; Li, Y.; Wang, Y.; Wei, C.; Liu, J.; Liu, M. Increased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratios are Associated with Greater Risk of Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. Curr. Neurovascular Res. 2019, 15, 326–335. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  20. Liu, Y.; Lu, J.-K.; Yin, H.-P.; Xia, P.-S.; Qiu, D.-H.; Liang, M.-Q.; Chen, Y.; Chen, Y. High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis. Int. J. Hypertens. 2020, 2020, 5980261–5980266. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  21. Adams, H.P.; Bendixen, B.H.; Kappelle, L.J.; Biller, J.; Love, B.B.; Gordon, D.L.; Marsh, E.E. Classification of subtype of acute ischemic stroke. Definitions for use in a multicenter clinical trial. TOAST. Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment. Stroke 1993, 24, 35–41. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  22. Bamford, J.; Sandercock, P.; Dennis, M.; Warlow, C.; Burn, J. Classification and natural history of clinically identifiable subtypes of cerebral infarction. Lancet 1991, 337, 1521–1526. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Higashida, R.T.; Furlan, A.J. Trial Design and Reporting Standards for Intra-Arterial Cerebral Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2003, 34, e109–e137. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Hacke, W.; Kaste, M.; Fieschi, C.; Von Kummer, R.; Davalos, A.; Meier, D.; Larrue, V.; Bluhmki, E.; Davis, S.; Donnan, G.; et al. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thrombolytic therapy with intravenous alteplase in acute ischaemic stroke (ECASS II). Lancet 1998, 352, 1245–1251. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Brott, T.; Adams, H.P.; Olinger, C.P.; Marler, J.R.; Barsan, W.G.; Biller, J.; Spilker, J.; Holleran, R.; Eberle, R.; Hertzberg, V. Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: A clinical examination scale. Stroke 1989, 20, 864–870. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  26. Libman, R.B.; Kwiatkowski, T.; Bae, H.-J.; Park, J.H.; Lee, J.; Gorelick, P.B.; El-Zammar, Z.M.; Levine, S.R. Is asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation really innocuous? Neurology 2012, 78, 1703–1704. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  27. Saver, J.L.; Jahan, R.; Levy, E.I.; Jovin, T.G.; Baxter, B.; Nogueira, R.G.; Clark, W.; Budzik, R.; Zaidat, O.O. Solitaire flow restoration device versus the Merci Retriever in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (SWIFT): A randomised, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2012, 380, 1241–1249. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Kablau, M.; Kreisel, S.H.; Sauer, T.; Binder, J.; Szabo, K.; Hennerici, M.G.; Kern, R. Predictors and Early Outcome of Hemorrhagic Transformation after Acute Ischemic Stroke. Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2011, 32, 334–341. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. D’Amelio, M.; Terruso, V.; Famoso, G.; Di Benedetto, N.; Realmuto, S.; Valentino, F.; Ragonese, P.; Savettieri, G.; Aridon, P. Early and Late Mortality of Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation of Ischemic Stroke. J. Stroke Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2014, 23, 649–654. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  30. Fiorelli, M.; Bastianello, S.; Von Kummer, R.; Del Zoppo, G.J.; Larrue, V.; Lesaffre, E.; Ringleb, A.P.; Lorenzano, S.; Manelfe, C.; Bozzao, L. Hemorrhagic Transformation Within 36 Hours of a Cerebral Infarct. Stroke 1999, 30, 2280–2284. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Zhang, J.; Yang, Y.; Sun, H.; Xing, Y. Hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction: Current concepts and challenges. Ann. Transl. Med. 2014, 2. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Maestrini, I.; Strbian, D.; Gautier, S.; Haapaniemi, E.; Moulin, S.; Sairanen, T.; Dequatre-Ponchelle, N.; Sibolt, G.; Cordonnier, C.; Melkas, S.; et al. Higher neutrophil counts before thrombolysis for cerebral ischemia predict worse outcomes. Neurology 2015, 85, 1408–1416. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  33. Duan, Z.; Wang, H.; Wang, Z.; Hao, Y.; Zi, W.; Yang, D.; Zhou, Z.; Liu, W.; Lin, M.; Shi, Z.; et al. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Functional and Safety Outcomes after Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2018, 45, 221–227. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Zhang, J.; Ren, Q.; Song, Y.; He, M.; Zeng, Y.; Liu, Z.; Xu, J. Prognostic role of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Medicine 2017, 96, e8624. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Mcilvoy, L. The Effect of Hypothermia and Hyperthermia on Acute Brain Injury. AACN Adv. Crit. Care 2005, 16, 488–500. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Perez-De-Puig, I.; Miró-Mur, F.; Ferrer-Ferrer, M.; Gelpi, E.; Pedragosa, J.; Justicia, C.; Urra, X.; Chamorro, A.; Planas, A.M. Neutrophil recruitment to the brain in mouse and human ischemic stroke. Acta Neuropathol. 2014, 129, 239–257. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  37. Neumann, J.; Riek-Burchardt, M.; Herz, J.; Doeppner, T.R.; König, R.; Hütten, H.; Etemire, E.; Männ, L.; Klingberg, A.; Fischer, T.; et al. Very-late-antigen-4 (VLA-4)-mediated brain invasion by neutrophils leads to interactions with microglia, increased ischemic injury and impaired behavior in experimental stroke. Acta Neuropathol. 2014, 129, 259–277. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Kolaczkowska, E.; Kubes, P. Neutrophil recruitment and function in health and inflammation. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 2013, 13, 159–175. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Pektezel, M.Y.; Yilmaz, E.; Arsava, E.M.; Topcuoglu, M.A. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Response to Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. J. Stroke Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2019, 28, 1853–1859. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Lattanzi, S.; Cagnetti, C.; Rinaldi, C.; Angelocola, S.; Provinciali, L.; Silvestrini, M. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio improves outcome prediction of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. J. Neurol. Sci. 2018, 387, 98–102. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Lattanzi, S.; Cagnetti, C.; Provinciali, L.; Silvestrini, M. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and neurological deterioration following acute cerebral hemorrhage. Oncotarget 2017, 8, 57489–57494. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  42. Lattanzi, S.; Cagnetti, C.; Provinciali, L.; Silvestrini, M. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts the Outcome of Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke 2016, 47, 1654–1657. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  43. Hill, M.D.; Buchan, A.M. Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: Results of the Canadian Alteplase for Stroke Effectiveness Study. Can. Med. Assoc. J. 2005, 172, 1307–1312. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  44. Seet, R.C.; Rabinstein, A.A. Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage following Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Critical Review of Case Definitions. Cerebrovasc. Dis. 2012, 34, 106–114. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Lux, D.; Alakbarzade, V.; Bridge, L.; Clark, C.N.; Clarke, B.; Zhang, L.; Khan, U.; Pereira, A.C. The association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio with 3-month clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy following stroke. J. Neuroinflammation 2020, 17, 1–9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  46. Pikija, S.; Sztriha, L.K.; Killer-Oberpfalzer, M.; Weymayr, F.; Hecker, C.; Ramesmayer, C.; Hauer, L.; Sellner, J. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. J. Neuroinflammation 2018, 15, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  47. Sun, J.; Meng, D.; Liu, Z.; Hua, X.; Xu, Z.; Zhu, J.; Qian, Z.; Xu, X. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Is a Therapeutic Biomarker for Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation. Neurotox. Res. 2020, 38, 219–227. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  48. Guo, Z.; Yu, S.; Xiao, L.; Chen, X.; Ye, R.; Zheng, P.; Dai, Q.; Sun, W.; Zhou, C.; Wang, S.; et al. Dynamic change of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis in stroke. J. Neuroinflammation 2016, 13, 199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
Table 1. Baseline characteristics of patients according to Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT).
Table 1. Baseline characteristics of patients according to Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT).
Parameter (Unit)Total
(n = 51)
no-sHT
(n = 41)
sHT (n = 10)p Value
Age (years)67 (55–78)63 (54–76)74 (67–79)0.138
SEX-male N/total (ratio)22/51 (0.43)17/41 (0.41)5/10 (0.50)0.631
BMI [kg/m2]27 (24–32)26 (24–32)28 (25–31)0.887
Medical history, N/total (ratio)CAD13/51 (0.25)8/41 (0.20)5/10 (0.50)0.055
Previous AIS6/51 (0.12)6/41 (0.15)0/100.198
Hypertension38/51 (0.75)29/41 (0.71)9/10 (0.90)0.215
Diabetes mellitus16/51 (0.31)12/41 (0.29)4/10 (0.40)0.509
Dyslipidemia28/51 (0.55)24/41 (0.59)4/10 (0.40)0.291
AF15/51 (0.29)10/41 (0.24)5/10 (0.50)0.118
Anticoagulant therapy N/total (ratio)VKA5/51 (0.10)3/41 (0.07)2/10 (0.20)0.231
Antiplatelets14/51 (0.27)12/41 (0.29)2/10 (0.20)0.567
Current smokers, N/total (ratio)13/51 (0.25)11/41 (0.27)2/10 (0.20)0.664
SBP (mmHg)130 (130–150)130 (130–150)158 (140–180)0.009
DBP (mmHg)80 (80–90)80 (80–80)90 (80- 100)0.027
LVEF (%)60 (50–65)60 (50–65)60 (55–60)0.374
AST (U/L)19 (16–25)19 (16–24)20 (17–29)0.313
ALT (U/L)17 (13–22)17 (13–25)16 (12–19)0.265
sCr (mg/dL)0.85 (0.71–1.08)0.81 (0.69–1.03)1.07 (0.80–1.15)0.024
LDL (mg/dL)89 (73–132)94 (73–138)78 (74–119)0.553
Glucose (mg/dL)125 (107–151)122 (109–150)134 (107–151)0.537
CBCWBCs (103/μL)10.88 (8.70–13.30)10.75 (8.67–13.05)12.06 (10.04–17.94)0.132
NEUTs (103/μL)8.65 (6.51–12.49)8.00 (5.95–9.69)13.18 (8.52–15.58)0.034
LYMPHs (103/μL)1.64 (1.04–2.13)1.76 (1.13–2.32)1.13 (0.75–1.63)0.012
MONOs (103/μL)0.94 (0.71–1.15)0.94 (0.71–1.13)1.00 (0.66–1.33)0.469
RBCs (106/μL)4.31 (3.99–4.69)4.31 (3.99–4.61)4.33 (4.07–5.06)0.545
HGB (g/dL)13.3 (12.1–14.2)13.3 (11.9–14.2)13.1 (12.1–14.3)0.367
HCT (%)38.2 (36.0–42.5)38.2 (35.9–42.3)38.8 (36.1–42.7)0.522
PLTs (103/μL)233 (185–263)241 (206–268)195 (164–228)0.040
NLR5.46 (3.41–9.15)4.72 (3.00–8.30)10.39 (7.00–14.98)0.002
INR1.1 (1.0–1.2)1.1 (1.0–1.2)1.1 (1.1–1.6)0.155
aPTT26.4 (25.0–29.8)26.2 (25.0–29.8)26.9 (25.1–28.5)0.831
Data are expressed as median (interquartile range, IQR) or frequencies and ratios. The p values were determined using the Pearson’s χ2 tests (categorical variables) or the Mann–Whitney U test (continuous variables). Abbreviations: n: number, BMI: body mass index, CAD: coronary artery disease, AIS: acute ischemic stroke, and AF: atrial fibrillation, VKA: vitamin K antagonists. SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood pressure, LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction, AST: aspartate aminotransferase, ALT: alanine aminotransferase, sCr: serum creatinine, LDL: low-density lipoprotein, CBC: complete blood count, WBCs: white blood cells, NEUTs: neutrophils, LYMPHs: lymphocytes, MONOs: monocytes, RBCs: red blood cells, PLTs: platelets, NLR: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, INR: international normalized ratio, aPTT: activated partial thromboplastin time.
Table 2. Stroke characteristics according to Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT).
Table 2. Stroke characteristics according to Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT).
Parameter (Unit)Total
(n = 51)
no-sHT
(n = 41)
sHT
(n = 10)
p Value
TOAST
N/total (ratio)
LAA11/51 (0.22)7/41 (0.17)4/10 (0.40)0.032
SVO5/51 (0.10)5/41 (0.12)0/10
CE16/51 (0.31)10/41 (0.24)6/10 (0.60)
SOE3/51 (0.06)3/41 (0.08)0/10
SUE16/51 (0.31)16/41 (0.39)0/10
OSCP
N/total (ratio)
LACI13/51 (0.25)13/41 (0.32)0/100.052
PACI21/51 (0.41)17/41 (0.41)4/10 (0.40)
TACI8/51 (0.16)4/41 (0.10)4/10 (0.40)
POCI9/51 (0.18)7/41 (0.17)2/10 (0.20)
Type of treatment
N/total (ratio)
Thrombolysis28/51 (0.55)28/41 (0.68)0/100.0001
Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy17/51 (0.33)11/41 (0.27)6/10 (0.60)
Thrombectomy6/51 (0.12)2/41 (0.05)4/10 (0.40)
Baseline NIHSS
Initial ASPECTS
11 (6–16)8 (4–14)17 (14–20)0.001
10 (9–10)10 (9–10)9 (9–9)0.173
TICITICI02/23 (0.09)1/13 (0.08)1/10 (0.10)0.249
TICI2b9/23 (0.39)7/13 (0.54)2/10 (0.20)
TICI312/23 (0.52)5/13 (0.38)7/10 (0.70)
Data are expressed as median (interquartile range, IQR) or frequencies and ratios. p values were determined using the Pearson’s χ2 tests (categorical variables) or the Mann–Whitney U test (continuous variables). Abbreviations are TOAST: Trial of ORG 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, LAA: large-artery atherosclerosis, SVO: small-vessel occlusion, CE: cardioembolism, SOE: stroke of other determined etiology, SUE: stroke of undetermined etiology, OSCP: Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project, LACI: lacunar circulation infarcts, PACI: partial anterior circulation infarcts, TACI: total anterior circulation infarcts, POCI: posterior circulation infarcts, NIHSS: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, mRS: Modified Rankin Scale, ASPECTS: Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, TICI: thrombolysis in cerebral infarction.
Table 3. Details of the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) analysis.
Table 3. Details of the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) analysis.
Parameter (Unit)AUROCC95% CICut-OffSensitivitySpecificity
SBP (mmHg)0.7710.587–0.9541400.8000.659
DBP (mmHg)0.7290.548–0.910900.6000.805
Baseline NIHSS0.8370.717–0.956120.9000.683
sCr (mg/dL)0.7330.586–0.8800.781.0000.488
PLTs (103/μL)0.7120.544–0.8802340.9000.561
NEUTs (103/μL)0.7200.536–0.90312.490.6000.829
LYMPHs (103/μL)0.7610.602–0.9201.981.0000.390
NLR0.8150.667–0.9629.6820.6000.927
Abbreviations: AUROCC: Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve, SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood pressure, NIHSS: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, sCr: serum creatinine, NEUTs: neutrophils, LYMPHs: lymphocytes, PLTs: platelets, NLR: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Świtońska, M.; Piekuś-Słomka, N.; Słomka, A.; Sokal, P.; Żekanowska, E.; Lattanzi, S. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Revascularization. Brain Sci. 2020, 10, 771. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110771

AMA Style

Świtońska M, Piekuś-Słomka N, Słomka A, Sokal P, Żekanowska E, Lattanzi S. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Revascularization. Brain Sciences. 2020; 10(11):771. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110771

Chicago/Turabian Style

Świtońska, Milena, Natalia Piekuś-Słomka, Artur Słomka, Paweł Sokal, Ewa Żekanowska, and Simona Lattanzi. 2020. "Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Revascularization" Brain Sciences 10, no. 11: 771. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110771

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop