Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio predicts in-hospital complications in Takotsubo syndrome. Results from a prospective multi-center registry

Clin Cardiol. 2020 Nov;43(11):1294-1300. doi: 10.1002/clc.23442. Epub 2020 Aug 8.

Abstract

Background: Several hematological indices including subtypes of leukocytes populations have been associated with cardiovascular outcome. Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of acute heart failure syndrome featured by several in-hospital complications (IHCs).

Hypothesis: Hematological indices at admission may predict IHCs in TTS patients.

Methods: One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with TTS were enrolled in a multicenter prospective registry. Clinical data, admission hemogram, and IHCs were recorded.

Results: Incidence of IHCs was 37%, including pulmonary edema 9%, cardiogenic shock 9%, need of invasive ventilation 10%, death 8%, stroke 2.5%, and left ventricular thrombi 6%. Patients with IHCs were older, more frequently male, with physical stressor-induced TTS, lower left ventricular ejection fraction at admission. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLr) (12 ± 12 vs 7 ± 8, P = .002) and white blood cells/mean platelet volume ratio (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.0 ± 0.5, P = .03) at admission were significantly higher in patients with IHCs. NLr values were predictor of IHCs (Odds ratios [OR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11, P < .01). When stratified according to NLr into tertiles, the rate of IHCs was from first to third tertile was, respectively, 22%, 31%, and 58%. NLr values in the higher tertile were independent predictors of IHCs even at multivariate analysis (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.4, P < .01). NLr values higher than 5 were able to predict IHCs with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 58%; negative predictive power was 84% (area under the ROC curve 0.73).

Conclusions: NLr is an independent predictor of IHCs in patients admitted with TTS. Admission hemogram may represent a potential tool for prediction of IHCs in TTS.

Keywords: Takotsubo syndrome; apical ballooning syndrome; complications; hemogram; neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Failure / epidemiology*
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Male
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • ROC Curve
  • Registries*
  • Stroke Volume / physiology*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / blood
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / complications*
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Left