Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with mortality in critically-ill cirrhotic patients

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible biomarker predictive of poor outcome in a variety of diseases. NLR is recognized to predict survival in uncomplicated cirrhosis, or in patients listed for transplantation. Whether NLR is associated with prognosis in patients with an acute complication of cirrhosis has not been assessed. Still, there is growing evidence that cirrhotic patients presenting a worsening in the clinical condition develop an acute inflammatory response leading to organ dysfunction and mortality.