The limited clinical utility of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio in systemic lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis with external validation

Key Points

• Assess the clinical utility of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Conducted a meta-analysis
• Included external validation data
• Evaluated correlations with disease activity based on ethnicity and treatment
• NLR is elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
• Weak positive correlation with disease activity was observed
• Clinical utility varies based on ethnicity and treatment regimen