Red Cell Distribution Width, Mean Platelet Volume, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent abdominal pain and variable bowel patterns, impacting individuals' quality of life. Despite its functional nature, recent research has indicated the role of inflammatory processes in IBS development. This study aims to investigate the potential diagnostic value of routine blood parameters and their relationship with IBS. Methods In this retrospective analysis, patients diagnosed with IBS based on the ROME IV criteria were identified from the outpatient clinic of Hitit University Erol Olçok Teaching and Research Hospital between January 1, 2023, and May 1, 2023. Exclusion criteria encompassed specific medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and organic bowel pathologies. A cohort of 100 IBS patients and 100 healthy controls were included for comparison. Comprehensive blood data, including neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin level, red cell distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet count, were collected. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics, Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used to analyze data. Results The study cohort consisted of 70 men (35%) and 130 women (65%). The average age was 51.65 ± 14.64 years (52 years). The mean neutrophil count was 4.6 ± 1.5 (4.29) in the control group and 4.7 ± 2.03 (4.12) in the IBS group. The mean lymphocyte count was 2.3 ± 0.86 (2.21) in the control group and 2.3 ± 0.82 (2.23) in the IBS group, indicating no statistically significant difference (p = 0.732). The mean RDW was measured as 13.62 ± 1.07 (13.4) in the control group and 13.68 ± 1.18 (13.55) in the IBS group, again demonstrating no significant difference (p = 0.915). Mean MCV and MPV values showed no substantial variation between the control and IBS groups (p = 0.649 and p = 0.406, respectively). Conclusion While this study did not yield statistically robust outcomes, it underscores the potential of utilizing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), RDW, and MPV as adjunctive diagnostic markers for IBS. These routine and cost-effective parameters could enhance the diagnostic process, especially in cases with suspected IBS. Continued research is essential to unravel their complete diagnostic potential and clinical applicability.