Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio is a promising biomarker in patients initially receiving hemodialysis.

Aim: Inflammation is very common among dialysis patients and can lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) can serve as a reliable predictor of long-term survival in hemodialysis patients. However, few studies have addressed the role of MLR in patients initially receiving hemodialysis (within 3 months). In this study, we aimed to examine the association between MLR and the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients initially receiving hemodialysis. Methods: In this study, a total of 216 patients newly receiving hemodialysis for at least 3 months were recruited. The associations between MLR and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and all-cause mortality were assessed by multivariable Cox models. Results: A total of 216 patients were included (mean age 57.65 ± 15.68 years, 42.13% male patients). Patients were divided into the low MLR group (<0.49) and the high MLR group (≥0.49). The levels of neutrophil and serum iron and the number of deaths were significantly higher in the high MLR group ( Conclusions: Our results showed that high MLR values are an independent risk factor for CVD and all-cause mortality in patients initially receiving hemodialysis, especially in the elderly and those with a history of diabetes.