Investigation of the diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for evaluating the severity of pancreatitis in patients with acute pancreatitis

Background. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is considered a gastrointestinal disorder that may lead to a systemic inflammatory response and requires urgent hospitalization. Currently, the bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) scoring system is used to estimate the severity of the disease. This study sought to investigate the significant relationship between the infectious inflammatory components of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which can only be obtained by a simple blood test. Then, this ratio was compared with the BISAP scoring system. Methods. This cohort study was conducted at Imam Reza Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2017‒2018. A total of 98 hospitalized patients with our desired criteria were included in the study. A complete blood count differential was obtained, and the BISAP score was calculated and analyzed, along with demographic data. Results. The NLR and the age of patients had a significant relationship with the BISAP variable (P < 0.05). For one unit (year) increase in patients’ age, the chance of being placed in the higher categories of the BISAP score increased by 1.14 and 1.09 times, respectively. Gender, smoking, and underlying diseases had no significant relationship with the BISAP score (P > 0.05). Conclusion. The initial values of the NLR can be used to determine the prognosis and severity of the disease in patients with acute pancreatitis in a quick, easy, and accessible way. Practical Implications. Simple ratios such as NLR can be utilized to perform immediate measurements for the management of acute pancreatitis.