: Background: The white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR) is increasingly gaining importance as a promising prognostic marker in atherosclerotic disease, but data on lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) are not yet available. The principle aim of this study was to assess the association of the WMR with the occurrence of CLTI (chronic limb-threatening ischemia) as the most advanced stage of disease.
Methods: This study was performed as a retrospective analysis on 2121 patients with a diagnosis of LEAD. Patients were admitted to the hospital for the reason of LEAD and received conservative or endovascular treatment. Blood sampling, in order to obtain the required values for this analysis, was implemented at admission. Statistical analysis was conducted by univariate regression in a first step and, in case of significance, by multivariate regression additionally.
Results: Multivariate regression revealed an increased WMR (p < 0.001, OR (95%CI) 2.258 (1.460-3.492)), but also advanced age (p < 0.001, OR (95%CI) 1.050 (1.040-1.061)), increased CRP (p < 0.001, OR (95%CI) 1.010 (1.007-1.014)), and diabetes (p < 0.001, OR (95%CI) 2.386 (1.933-2.946)) as independent predictors for CLTI.
Conclusions: The WMR presents an easily obtainable and cost-effective parameter to identify LEAD patients at high risk for CLTI.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; chronic limb-threatening ischemia; lower extremity artery disease; peripheral arterial disease; platelets; white blood cells.