http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25045842

Craig DG, Kitto L, Zafar S, Reid TW, Martin KG, Davidson JS, Hayes PC, Simpson KJ. An elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is associated with adverse outcomes following single time-point paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose: a time-course analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Sep; 26(9):1022-9.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The innate immune system is profoundly dysregulated in paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced liver injury. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple bedside index with prognostic value in a number of inflammatory conditions.

AIM:
To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the NLR in patients with significant liver injury following single time-point and staggered paracetamol overdoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Time-course analysis of 100 single time-point and 50 staggered paracetamol overdoses admitted to a tertiary liver centre. Timed laboratory samples were correlated with time elapsed after overdose or admission, respectively, and the NLR was calculated.

RESULTS:
A total of 49/100 single time-point patients developed hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Median NLRs were higher at both 72 (P=0.0047) and 96 h after overdose (P=0.0041) in single time-point patients who died or were transplanted. Maximum NLR values by 96 h were associated with increasing HE grade (P=0.0005). An NLR of more than 16.7 during the first 96 h following overdose was independently associated with the development of HE [odds ratio 5.65 (95% confidence interval 1.67-19.13), P=0.005]. Maximum NLR values by 96 h were strongly associated with the requirement for intracranial pressure monitoring (P<0.0001), renal replacement therapy (P=0.0002) and inotropic support (P=0.0005). In contrast, in the staggered overdose cohort, the NLR was not associated with adverse outcomes or death/transplantation either at admission or subsequently.

CONCLUSION:
The NLR is a simple test which is strongly associated with adverse outcomes following single time-point, but not staggered, paracetamol overdoses. Future studies should assess the value of incorporating the NLR into existing prognostic and triage indices of single time-point paracetamol overdose.

Published on: 
Sep-2014

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