Original Articles
10 June 2025

The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in assessing hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder, influenced by genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and immune dysfunction. High iodine intake has been identified as a potential trigger in susceptible individuals. This study investigates the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as inflammatory markers in patients with hypothyroid HT. Conducted at Thumbay Labs in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, this cross-sectional study involved 150 participants, including 100 diagnosed with hypothyroid HT and 50 healthy controls. Significant differences were found in the mean values of free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), NLR, PLR, and anti-thyroid peroxidase (ATPO) between the patient and control groups (p<0.05). Specifically, mean values were 0.02 for FT4, 0.00 for TSH, 0.000 for NLR, 0.02 for PLR, and 0.01 for ATPO. Gender did not significantly influence these metrics. The results indicate elevated NLR and reduced PLR in hypothyroid HT patients, suggesting their potential utility as cost-effective inflammatory markers in clinical settings. Nevertheless, due to contradictory findings in existing literature, further research is necessary to validate NLR and PLR’s roles in managing HT, which may enhance patient care strategies.

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How to Cite



The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in assessing hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. (2025). Italian Journal of Medicine, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2025.1953