Takeaway
Higher baseline neutrophil counts are associated with shorter survival in female participants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Why this matters
The pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS are not fully understood; however, the immune system is known to play various roles in both exacerbation and reduction of symptoms, and is thus currently a therapeutic target.
The shorter survival time in female ALS patients suggests that the interaction between immunity and sex in this condition should be considered in relation to targeted therapy development in ALS; however, further study is required for validation.