Evaluation of hematological parameters in the differentiation of bile reflux gastritis and Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children

Abstract

Aims: Endoscopy is used in the diagnosis of bile reflux gastritis and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis. However, endoscopy is an invasive procedure with complications. The study proposes that by analyzing the absolute neutrophil - lymphocyte count ratio and mean platelet volume, it might be possible to distinguish between H. pylori gastritis and bile reflux gastritis. 
 Methods: All patients with endoscopic and histopathological confirmation H. pylori gastritis of (Group 1), bile reflux gastritis (Group 2), or both (Group 3) were included in this retrospective study. White blood cells, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count and mean platelet volume were analyzed in all patients. The absolute neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was calculated. 
 Results: 218 patients were included in the study. The median absolute neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was 1.33 in H. pylori gastritis, 1.56 in bile reflux gastritis, and 1.47 in both. The mean value of mean platelet volume was 9.97±0.82 in H. pylori gastritis, 10.16±0.81 in bile reflux gastritis, and 10.06±0.88 in both. The absolute neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume did not differ significantly between the groups.
 Conclusion: According to our results, absolute neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio cannot be used as a differential diagnosis marker in children with H. pylori gastritis and bile reflux gastritis.