Evaluation of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting the Prognosis of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Abstract

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe form of haemorrhagic fever identified in parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. CCHF continues to be a justifiable cause of concern for people in rural areas where the disease is endemic. A total of 151 patients, diagnosed with CCHF, were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of these patients and the relationship between the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission and survival were examined. There were 21 (13.9%) deaths. There was no relationship between age, gender and mortality, but elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on admission was statistically associated with mortality. NLR is a laboratory marker that can be studied even in medical centres with limited facilities and may be helpful in predicting the clinical course of the disease.