Platelets/lymphocytes ratio and neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in children with H. pylori associated gastritis: a canary in the mine?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low-grade systemic inflammation and localized stomach inflammation are both brought on by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is a prevalent cause of chronic gastritis. The aim of this study was to assess the association between H. pylori positivity, severity, and both platelets/lymphocytes ratio (PLR) and neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) ratios in children. METHODS: One hundred consecutive children who underwent gastroscopy for upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms were analysed retrospectively. They were classified according to identification of the H. pylori antigen in stool before endoscopy and confirmed by gastric endoscopic biopsy into H. pylori positive and negative groups. Their complete blood count was analysed, and PLR and NLR ratios were calculated. RESULTS: H. pylori-positive group had significantly more prevalent erythema, nodularity, enlarged folds, and active chronic gastritis. Neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR were significantly higher in the H. pylori-positive group compared to the H. pylori-negative group, and this increase positively correlated with the severity of the infection. CONCLUSION: H. pylori-positive patients have considerably higher NLR and PLR. Moreover, PLR and NLR were good predictors for the presence and severity of H. pylori infection in children with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms. IMPACT: Low-grade systemic inflammation and localized stomach inflammation are both brought on by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is a prevalent cause of chronic gastritis. Recent adult studies reported that there is an association between H. pylori infection and both platelets/lymphocytes ratio (PLR) and neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) ratio. This study aimed to assess the association between H pylori positivity, severity, and both PLR and NLR ratios in children. We found that H. pylori-positive patients have considerably higher NLR and PLR. Moreover, PLR and NLR were good predictors for the presence and severity of H. infection in children with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms.