Incremental predictive value of the combined use of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and systolic blood pressure difference after successful drug-eluting stent implantation.

backgroundPrevious work has highlighted the importance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the difference in the ward-to-catheterization laboratory systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP) in prognostic stratification after acute coronary syndrome. However, there is paucity of data regarding the added value of combining these two variables to predict 5-year major clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention.

methodsA total of 1188 patients were classified into four groups according to the NLR andΔSBP (high vs. low) using cutoffs derived from an analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves. A NLR > 3.0 and aΔSBP > 25 mmHg were considered high values. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, and non-fatal myocardial infarction. The secondary endpoint was the composite of target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, and incidence of cerebrovascular accidents.

resultsThe incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in the high NLR and ΔSBP group than in the other three groups (2.2% vs. 4.7% vs. 4.3% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). The incidence of the secondary endpoint was similar among the four groups. Incorporation of high NLR and high ΔSBP into a model with conventional and meaningful clinical and procedural risk factors increased the C-statistics in predicting the primary endpoint (0.575 to 0.635, p = 0.002).

conclusionsThe power to predict the primary endpoint after drug-eluting stent implantation at the 5-year follow-up was improved by combining NLR and ΔSBP.