Predictive role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in Henoch-Schönlein purpura related gastrointestinal and renal involvement

Abstract

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that occurs mainly in children. The aim was to evaluate the blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with HSP and to investigate the relationship with gastrointestinal and renal involvement. Methods: Children with HSP and healthy individuals as controls were included. Hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, platelet count, NLR, MPV erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were evaluated. Results: There were 71 HSP children and 74 controls. NLR was significantly higher in HSP patients with gastrointestinal bleeding than without gastrointestinal bleeding (p < 0,001). The optimal cutoff value of NLR for predicting gastrointestinal bleeding was 2.05, with 93 % sensitivity and 62 % specificity. MPV was significantly higher in HSP patients with renal involvement than without renal involvement (p = 0,027). Conclusions: Blood NLR and MPV may be useful markers to identify gastrointestinal and renal involvement in HSP patients.