Evaluation of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in recurrent epistaxis in childhood: case controlled study

Abstract

Introduction: the aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and routine hematological parameters with recurrent epistaxis in children.

Methods: in this retrospective case-controlled study, 294 patients aged between 2 and 18 years who applied to the Tokat State Hospital Ear Nose Throat Clinic due to recurrent epistaxis between January 1^st 2013 and December 31^st December 2017 and 329 sex-and age-matched controls were investigated.

Results: NLR was 1.45±0.75 in the study group and the 1.35±0.7 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). PLR values were found significantly (p<0.05) higher in the study group than in the control group (103,21±29.57 vs. 97,3±30.38). Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) values were found significantly (p<0.05) lower in the study group than in the control group (39,56±2,87 and 38,92±2,46).

Conclusion: the increase of PLR, an inflammatory marker, in epistaxis supports the effect of inflammatory factors in the etiology of epistaxis. However, more study in future is needed to support this.