Association between Absolute Lymphocyte Count and Platelet-Derived Inflammatory Ratios in Post-Menopausal Women: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with hormonal and physiological changes that may influence haematological and inflammatory parameters. Platelet indices and platelet-derived ratios have been proposed as accessible markers of systemic inflammation and thrombotic tendency. Aims: This study evaluated the relationship between absolute lymphocyte count and selected platelet-related inflammatory markers in post-menopausal women. Methods: A hospital-based case-control observational study involving 73 participants aged 60-80 years was conducted. Forty-three post-menopausal women and 30 premenopausal women were recruited. Blood samples were analysed using an automated haematology analyser. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Three (7.0%) post-menopausal women had platelet counts between 50 - <100 × 10⁹/L. No statistically significant differences were observed between post-menopausal and premenopausal women in platelet count, platelet indices, lymphocyte count or the calculated inflammatory ratios. In post-menopausal women, lymphocyte count showed a significant negative correlation with mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte count ratio and platelet count-to-lymphocyte count ratio. Significant positive correlations were also observed between lymphocyte count and platelet count, plateletcrit and platelet-large cell count. Conclusion: The findings suggest that lymphocyte count is associated with selected platelet-related inflammatory ratios in post-menopausal women. These parameters may provide useful haematological information, but larger studies are required to clarify their clinical relevance in post-menopausal health assessment.