Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts glucocorticoid resistance in polymyalgia rheumatica

Abstract

Aim: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) correlate with disease activity in several rheumatic diseases; however, their utility in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) remains unclear. This study evaluated their relationship with disease activity and glucocorticoid resistance in PMR. Method: Data for disease activity (PMR-AS) and full blood examination was obtained from a prospective observational cohort comprising newly diagnosed, steroid-naïve PMR patients treated with low-dose glucocorticoid therapy. Glucocorticoid resistance was defined as non-response to prednisolone 15 mg/d or initial response followed by flare (PMR-AS ≥ 9.35 or ∆ ≥6.6) upon weaning to 5 ..