Insights Into the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Primary Varicose Vein Disease Screening and Prognosis

Introduction Varicose veins are a common cause of deterioration in quality of life. Chronic venous disease (CVD) is highly prevalent yet underdiagnosed. This discrepancy in care may change with better insights into the pathophysiological development of CVD. Objective In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the ability of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a single inflammatory marker, in screening for primary varicose veins. Methods A total of 130 patients aged 21-70 years diagnosed with primary varicose veins from January 1, 2016, to January 30, 2023, were retrospectively studied at the Department of General Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Patients were divided into two groups based on their degree of primary varicose veins using the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification. Group 1 included patients with varicose veins with CEAP stage ≤ C3 and group 2 included patients with varicose veins with CEAP stage > C3. Complete blood counts taken at diagnosis were used for NLR calculation. Results Absolute neutrophil counts (CI 95%), absolute lymphocyte counts (CI 99%), and NLRs were all statistically significant inflammatory markers in both groups. NLR was found to have a strong statistically significant association with the diagnosis of primary varicose veins (p-value<0.001). NLRs were lower in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusion This study conclusively finds that NLR may effectively be considered to track the incidence of primary varicose veins in patients after further studies.