Prediction of Mucosal Health by NLR, CRP x NLR and MPV in Ulcerative Colitis: Can Their Availability Change According to Treatment Options?

Abstract

IntroductionMucosal healing is the main treatment goal in ulcerative colitis (UC). Many noninvasive parameters have been used in clinical practice to assess mucosal healing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) x NLR and mean platelet volume (MPV) in predicting mucosal health.MethodThis study was designed as a retrospective and single-center. A total of 165 patients, 126 active and 39 in remission, were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups. The patients were divided into two groups. Group-1 consisted of newly diagnosed patients and patients using only mesalazine; Group-2 was including patients using CS and/or AZT plus mesalazine for at least one month. The relationship between Rachmilewitz endoscopic activity index (EAI) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CRP, NLR, CRP x NLR, MPV and platelet (PLT) was evaluated. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, cut-off values were determined for these parameters to predict active disease.ResultsA positive correlation was found between CRP, PLT and NLR and EAI (p<0.001). A negative correlation was found between MPV and EAI (p<0.001). The accuracy of CRP, NLR, CRP x NLR and PLT (2.65 mg/dl, 2.06, 4.29 and 278.5 x 109/L at the indicated cut-off values, respectively) in detecting disease activity was 77.0%, 65.1%, 77.0% and 72.2%, respectively. MPV was not statistically significant in predicting disease activation (p> 0.05).ConclusionCRP and CRP x NLR are significant non-invasive markers for detecting mucosal health in UC. In addition, these markers can be used to evaluate mucosal health regardless of treatment types.