A prospective study to evaluate the use of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker for severe acute cholecystitis

Context: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most common afflictions of the gastrointestinal system presenting to hospitals whose delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new and inexpensive predictor of severe AC that can be used as prognostic biomarker for the stratification of patients for appropriate management. Aims: The aims of the study are to determine the usefulness of the NLR as a prognostic marker and to find range that distinguishes between grades of AC and to compare NLR use with white blood cell, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and radiological modalities in the diagnosis of severe AC. Settings and Design: This is a 1-year prospective observational study in tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: Demographic data, investigations, and management of 110 patients diagnosed with AC were collected. Categorization in mild, moderate, or severe AC group was based on Tokyo guidelines and NLR was calculated as absolute neutrophil count/absolute lymphocyte count. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance. Results: Sixty-four were male and 46 were female. 23.64% had severe AC, 30.91% had moderate, and 45.45% had mild AC. Mean hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were more in severe cholecystitis group. Diabetes mellitus was commonly associated comorbidity in severe cholecystitis (35.48%). As per the study, NLR ranges 10 in severe AC (sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 88%). The cardiovascular system was most commonly affected in severe AC, followed by renal derangement. Conclusions: NLR has proved to be a prognostic marker to determine disease severity in patients with AC which will help in appropriate management and better patient outcome.