Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with diabetes mellitus in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2018 cohort
Summary: Using data from NHANES (2003–2018), this study explored the prognostic value of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in people with diabetes. Among 2,327 participants followed for a median of 76 months, a higher LMR (>2.62) was linked to significantly lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory measures.
Key Highlights:
- Population & design: 2,327 diabetic participants, stratified into low (≤2.62) vs high (>2.62) LMR groups.
- Mortality outcomes: High LMR group showed reduced all-cause mortality (HR ~0.64) and cardiovascular mortality (HR ~0.55).
- Predictive accuracy: AUC values ranged ~0.80–0.86 across 1–10 year follow-up, demonstrating strong prognostic performance.
- Nonlinear relationship: Benefits plateaued at higher LMR levels, suggesting diminishing returns.
- Clinical value: LMR is a simple, inexpensive biomarker that could enhance cardiovascular and overall risk stratification in diabetic patients.
- Limitations: Observational design, U.S.-based cohort, and reliance on single blood measurements limit causality claims.
Read the full article in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Keywords:
Anmin Ren,
Shanshan Cao,
Donghuo Gong,
Xinkai Qu,
lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio,
all-cause mortality,
cardiovascular mortality,
diabetes mellitus,
NHANES