Differential leukocyte counts on admission predict outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis

Background and purpose: To determine the association of differential leukocyte counts on admission with efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Methods: Consecutive patients with AIS receiving IVT were evaluated at two stroke centers. Differential leukocyte counts and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were determined during the initial 12 h of admission. Efficacy outcomes were favorable functional outcome (FFO) (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–1) and functional independence (FI) (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2) at 3 months, whereas safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month mortality. Results: Among 657 IVT-treated patients with AIS, the mean age was 64 ± 14 years, 50% were female and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 7 points (interquartile range, 4–13). Lower neutrophil and leukocyte counts and NLR counts were observed in patients with 3-month FFO and FI, whereas higher counts were observed in patients who died at 3 months. The best discriminative factors for 3-month FFO and FI were NLR < 2.2 (sensitivity 51.4%, specificity 63.1%) and leukocyte count