Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (MHR) and Monocyte to Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR) in Vitiligo: A Case-Control Study

Background Vitiligo is a disorder influenced by oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. While previous studies used difficult-to-perform markers, research on readily available markers like the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for oxidative stress in vitiligo remains limited, and assessing these markers in stable and unstable vitiligo represents a novel area of research. Materials and methods This case-control study was conducted on 72 vitiligo patients and an equal number of age and gender-matched healthy controls. Out of 72 vitiligo patients, 57 patients had unstable vitiligo and 15 patients had stable vitiligo. Complete blood count (CBC) and fasting lipid profile (FLP) were performed for both cases and controls to assess MHR, MLR, NLR, and PLR. Further, 19 patients on systemic therapy were reassessed after one month. Their ratios were compared before and after treatment. Results Vitiligo patients had significantly higher MHR, MLR, NLR, and PLR as compared to healthy controls. Compared to controls, stable vitiligo patients had no significant difference in these markers. Only PLR was significantly higher in unstable compared to stable vitiligo patients. There was no statistically significant reduction in these markers after one month of systemic treatment in 19 patients.