Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting short-term mortality in hemodialysis patients

Patients with end stage renal disease have a higher risk of mortality compared with the general population. the aim of the present study was to determine the value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (nlr) in predicting mortality in hemodialysis patients. fifty nine patients undergoing hemodialysis in our institution between january 2011 to june 2012 were analyzed. baseline nlr, patient demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were obtained. the baseline median nlr value was 3.48. patients were divided into two groups: those with a nlr less than 3.48, and those greater than 3.48. the high nlr group had overall lower serum albumin levels (p=0.009) and higher c reactive protein levels (p=0.03). seven (11.9%) patients died, and all were in the high nlr group (p=0.01). hemodialysis patients with high nlr levels have increased risk of short term mortality.