Comparison of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lactate-to-albumin ratio as predictive inflammatory markers for sepsis

A Comparative Study Between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Lactate/Albumin Ratio as Predictive Inflammatory Markers for Sepsis in Patients With Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in ICU

Observational Ain Shams University · NCT07089524

This study will test whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio or the lactate-to-albumin ratio better predicts outcomes for adults (18–80) with sepsis or septic shock from lower respiratory tract infections admitted to the ICU.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Abbassia)
Trial IDNCT07089524 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational comparison of two blood‑based inflammatory markers (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and lactate/albumin ratio) measured in adults admitted to the ICU with lower respiratory tract infection and sepsis or septic shock by Sepsis‑3 criteria. Researchers will record these ratios on admission and link them to clinical outcomes including mortality and organ dysfunction, then compare sensitivity and specificity for outcome prediction. Patients with conditions that alter serum albumin (malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis, prior intestinal resection) and those outside the 18–80 age range are excluded. The work is conducted at a single center (Ain Shams University Hospital, Abbassia, Cairo).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with confirmed sepsis or septic shock due to lower respiratory tract infection who are admitted to the ICU and do not have conditions that affect serum albumin are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 80, pregnant patients, those with malignancy, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, prior intestinal resection, or other conditions altering albumin or immune counts may not receive benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use routine blood tests to identify sepsis patients at higher risk of poor outcomes and prioritize earlier or more aggressive care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have frequently shown NLR correlates with sepsis severity and several reports support lactate/albumin ratio as prognostic, but direct head‑to‑head comparisons are relatively limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults with lower respiratory tract infection
* Confirmed septic patients (under the third international consensus definitions of sepsis and septic shock),
* Admitted to intensive care unit.
* Age (18-80) years.
* Both genders.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age: \< 18 years old, \> 80 years old
* Patient refusal.
* Pregnancy.
* Malignancy.
* Pathology that could affect serum albumin concentrations prior to ICU admission as Malnutrition
* Nephrotic syndrome
* Liver Cirrhosis
* Intestinal resection surgeries

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Abbassia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sepsis
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.