Accuracy of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting the Severity of Acute Appendicitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the potential use of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the identification and differentiation of acute appendicitis patients, specifically between simple and complicated presentations. Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in Aseer Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Results: In total, 103 patients were included in this study, in which males (50.5%) were more common than females (49.5%), and the most common age group was found to be 36-45 years (56.3%), followed by 18-25 years (23.3%). All patients (100%) had a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The means of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR were found to be 68.970%, 22.067%, and 5.020, respectively. The majority (69%) had non-complicated appendicitis, while (31%) had complications. A significant association was seen between NLR and the occurrence of complications (p-value = 0.00001). Conclusion: This study can comprehensively support the evidence presented in the literature review. The use of the NLR demonstrates a notable level of accuracy in diagnosing acute appendicitis and differentiating between complex and uncomplicated cases.