Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Saphenous Vein Graft Disease

Yayla et al ¹ reported that platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was independently associated with saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD).

The PLR has emerged as a significant independent predictor of long-term survival in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and a high PLR is a strong and independent predictor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with NSTEMI. ² Yüksel et al ³ reported that a high PLR appears to be additive to conventional risk factors and commonly used biomarkers in predicting severe atherosclerosis and the PLR correlates positively with the Gensini score. Oylumlu et al ⁴ reported that patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) had increased PLR values and the PLR is significantly and independently associated with the CSFP.

Statins exhibit multiple pleiotropic effects such as antiatherogenic effects, improved endothelial function, antioxidative, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as neoangiogenesis. ⁵ Furthermore, statins reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and deep vein thrombosis. ⁵ Consequently, statin therapy is associated with less inflammation and thrombogenicity. ⁵

In the light of this knowledge, it might be beneficial to evaluate the association between statin therapy and PLR in patients with SVGD.