Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio May Predict Risk for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

An elevated platelet/lymphocyte ratio can be an effective biomarker in predicting the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis, according to research results published in Saudi Medical Journal.

Researchers sought to evaluate the relationship between platelet/lymphocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios, vitamin D levels, and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, as a follow-up to previous research on the relationship between these factors and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The total study cohort included 252 postmenopausal women as outpatients in obstetrics and gynecology and physical therapy clinics between July 2016 and December 2017. Researchers retrospectively analyzed data of these patients, including demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, BMD measurements, and T scores for lumbar spine, femur neck, and femur total values.

Patients were assigned into either normal or low BMD groups (n=92 and n=160, respectively). Those in the low BMD group were further assigned into an osteopenia (n=112) or osteoporosis (n=48) group. Across all groups, mean patient age was 54.12±7.34 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.84±4.97 kg/m².

Results indicated that only platelet/lymphocyte values were significantly higher in the low BMD group (P =.02), with a significant difference between groups (P =.02); however, there was “no remarkable difference” when other values were examined (P >.05). A meaningful difference was noted in platelet/lymphocyte values when patients were grouped based on their lumbar total value (P =.028), femur neck value (P =.013), and femur total value (P =.015).

In the normal BMD group vs the other groups, vitamin D levels (normal range, 20-100 ng/mL) were fairly higher. Correlation analysis demonstrated a reverse relationship between platelet/lymphocyte ratios, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios, and vitamin D levels, as well as an inverse association between BMI, platelet/lymphocyte ratios (P =.005), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios (P =.01).

Age was positively correlated with BMI, and inversely correlated with the lumbar, femur neck, and femur total BMD. Logistic regression analysis indicated that platelet/lymphocyte ratios >125.06, age >65 years, and vitamin D deficiency were all independent predictors of low BMD.

Study limitations included the small sample size and the inability of researchers to assess patients’ dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D.

“Platelet/lymphocyte is an easily accessible, cost-effective, and specific marker for inflammation that can help determine osteopenia and [postmenopausal osteoporosis], as well as…low [vitamin D] levels,” the researchers concluded. They added that there was a need for further studies among larger patient groups.

Reference

Eroglu S, Karatas G. Platelet/lymphocyte ratio is an independent predictor for osteoporosis. Saudi Med J. 2019;40(4):360-366.