Comparison between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of mortality on Fournier's gangrene cases

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia that progresses quickly and leads to necrosis. It is more prevalent in male patients and immunocompromised individuals, such as those suffering from uncontrolled diabetes. It has a high mortality rate, which makes its early identification and clinical suspicion critical. This study aimed to compare two laboratory parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and to predict the mortality of FG in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data was retrieved from medical records for the period from January 2014 to December 2020, of patients diagnosed with FG. Recorded data that is age, sex, comorbidities, mortality, and laboratory results (PLR and NLR) were used to assess determinants of survival. RESULTS: There were 23 (17.04%) nonsurvivors among the 135 subjects studied. The mean age was 50.9 ± 14.9 years and men were 103 (83%) patients. Among the participants, diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity at 74 (54.81%) patients. NLR ≥8 was statistically significant (P = 0.013) for identifying mortality, while PLR >140 was not. In multivariate analysis, NLR ≥8 was found to be a reliable predictor of the FG mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio 12.062, confidence interval 95% 2.115–68.778, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: NLR had prognosis predictive value for FG, whereas PLR did not.