Correlation between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and overactive bladder in South Korean women: a community-based, cross-sectional study

ObjectiveMany women with overactive bladder (OAB) do not seek medical care despite urinary symptoms. As the diagnosis and treatment of OAB are often late, there is a need to identify undiagnosed OAB patients and start effective treatment. Furthermore, an objective and appropriate screening biomarker for OAB is needed. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and OAB in South Korean women.DesignCross-sectional, retrospective study.SettingJeju National University Hospital.ParticipantsThis study included a total of 4394 women (mean age=48.6 years) who underwent self-referred health screenings.InterventionsBlood tests were conducted and the NLR was calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes.Outcome measuresThe severity of OAB was evaluated using the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS).ResultsApproximately 9.8% of participants (n=432) were diagnosed with OAB. The association pattern between the NLR and urinary tract symptoms was variable; however, NLR was associated with OAB, by the OABSS and OAB severity (p