Predictive roles of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke has a high incidence, mortality and morbidity. It was demonstrated that higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts were correlated with larger infarct volume and increased stroke severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Recently, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was shown to be correlated with risk of ischemic stroke and outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This article reviews the predictive roles of NLR in ischemic stroke. Key words: Stroke; Brain ischemia; Neutrophils; Lymphocytes; Risk factors; Biomarkers