Exploring the relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), body mass index (BMI), and treatment outcomes in pulmonary tuberculosis

Background Tuberculosis (TB), a major global health concern caused by airborne bacteria, disproportionately affects India, which has the highest number of cases worldwide. Early diagnosis and prevention are essential to curb its spread. Recent studies suggest that certain blood markers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, platelet count, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width, could be valuable tools in determining the severity of pulmonary TB, alongside Body Mass Index (BMI). Materials and methods The study population consisted of 75 adult patients (aged 18 years and older) who presented with pulmonary tuberculosis (either newly diagnosed or previously treated) at the department between January 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021. Results This study investigated the association between BMI and NLR in individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis. A significant proportion of patients were underweight and exhibited elevated NLR levels. Cases with the most severe form of the disease were characterized by low BMI and high NLR. The study also revealed that BMI and NLR were not correlated with TB. Sputum conversion rates were higher in patients with less severe disease and decreased as severity increased. After two months of treatment, there was a significant improvement in severity score, TLC, and NLR, but BMI remained unchanged. Notably, no correlation was observed between BMI and NLR in both new and recurrent TB cases. Conclusions The effectiveness of TB treatment can be enhanced by considering additional factors such as BMI and NLR. These readily available and cost-effective markers can help in developing personalized treatment plans for individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis. This study can help in improving the outcomes and reducing risks associated with TB.