TBA (22S140)

Use of Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Marker in IBD

Author(s)

O.Fagan, C. McGrath, H. Logan, V, Madhu, E. Slattery

Department(s)/Institutions

Gastroenterology, University Hospital Galway

Introduction

Platelets and PLR have been suggested as a non-invasive biomarker for IBD.

Aims/Background

To assess whether neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) predict response in IBD patients with an acute severe flare.

Method

IBD patients admitted with acute severe colitis between January-2017-December-2019 were assessed.

Results

64-patients (88% UC, 9% CD, 3% indeterminate) were included (55% male, 38yo (11-90yrs)). 33% on biologic therapy at admission. 36% received rescue-treatment (95% infliximab, 5% ciclosporin). There was an association between total platelet count (Z-score 9.76, P=<0.05), NLR (Z-score 9.76, p=<0.05)and PLR (Z-score 9.76, P=<0.05) and risk of colectomy. Patients with colectomy-free-survival at 1-year displayed lower NLR and PLR compared with those who did not (6.7 [1.1-33.0] vs 7.5 [1.7-21.00];p=0.39 and 242 [106-1438] vs 259 [155-1300]; p= 0.11). Patients who received rescue-therapy (n=23), had lower week-8 PLR and NLR and persistence of drug at 6-months (p=<0.05). Lower platelet count and PLR at 8-weeks post rescue-therapy was a predictor of persistence of therapy at 6-months (262 [267-469] v 348 [373-558], p=0.01 and 218 [82-521] v 256 [71-630], p=0.34), conversely CRP was not (8 [1-36] v 2.9 [1-6], p=0.23).

Conclusions

Higher platelet count, NLR and PLR on admission with acute severe colitis are associated with progression to colectomy. NLR and PLR should be considered an important prognostic tool in the assessment of acute severe colitis and when elevated should form part of decision making with respect to early escalation of rescue therapy. Platelet count and PLR at 8-weeks post rescue-therapy may also act as a biomarker for prolonged response to therapy.