Changes and Rate of Change in Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (∆NLR) as an Early Prognostic Marker for Severity of Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19, and its Applicability in Other Viral and Bacterial Diseases

This paper presents a unique biomarker ∆NLR which according to this study and analysis is a highly significant predictor of disease severity across different contributing factors. NLR at baseline or NLR at second day is an extensively studied biomarker and the redundance in their value as a soul measure is palpable with the more recent publications that demonstrate NLR alone has a limited value in predicting disease severity. This study applied the concept of ∆NLR that has been studied across the globe and published in only 4 or 5 articles in patients with COVID-19 in the second wave. The severity of the disease is an independent predictor of the poor prognosis of COVID-19. ∆NLR and other inflammatory parameters predict the prognosis, severity, and mortality due to the infection. ∆NLR is a unique marker, and its scope of use in the prognosis of other disorders has to be further researched. Including these in decision-making strategies result in more effective and timely condition management.