Impact of hematological markers in prediction of severity of cutaneous drug eruptions.

Background Recognition of parameters to predict severity of drug eruptions can be helpful in early intervention in severe cases. In this study, we evaluate the role of hematological factors including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio in prediction of severity in cutaneous drug reactions. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study on 46 hospitalized patients with drug eruptions and 46 healthy individuals as control group. NLR/PLR was compared between patients with drug eruptions and healthy control group by independent t test. Moreover, the values of these hematological markers were compared between serious and non-serious types of drug eruptions by independent t test. Results Serious drug eruptions constitute nearly one-fourth of total drug eruptions. The mean values of NLR in case and control groups were 3.91±2.87 and 2.30±1.62, respectively (P=0.001). The mean values of PLR in case and control groups were 155.35±90.60 and 125±45.64, respectively (P=0.045). Females with drug eruptions had significantly higher PLR compared to males (P=0.02). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between NLR/PLR in serious and non-serious types of drug reactions. Conclusion NLR/PLR was significantly higher in patients with drug eruptions compared to control group. There was no significant correlation between NLR/PLR with either demographic features of patients or severity of drug eruption; except significantly higher PLR in female with drug eruptions compared to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]