Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios Are Correlated with Complicated Diverticulitis and Hinchey Classification: A Simple Tool to Assess Disease Severity in the Emergency Department

Prospective study about the security and efficacy of treatment without antibiotic therapy of patients diagnosed with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis after launching a protocol at a tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

The main objective of our study is to analyze the results in our hospital after launching a treatment protocol without antibiotic therapy for patients diagnosed with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

METHODS

Our observational, prospective, single-center study was developed after launching a treatment protocol without antibiotic therapy for patients diagnosed with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) in January 2021. The follow-up period was from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023. Variables evaluated by the study have included demographic and analytical variables, as well as those related to diagnosis and whether the patients needed to start antibiotic treatment, inpatient treatment, or surgical procedures.

RESULTS

In total, 199 patients were diagnosed with AUD, 75 of whom were treated without antibiotic therapy as outpatients. Seven of these patients needed to start antibiotic treatment because of adverse evolution; none of these patients required surgical procedures. The need for inpatient treatment, urgent care, or surgical procedures is similar to the group of patients treated with antibiotics. The main risk factor of failure of outpatient treatment without antibiotic therapy identified by the study was the presence of bacteriuria at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm previous reports, observing that treatment without antibiotic therapy in selected patients with AUD is safe.

Neutrophil- and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio as Biomarkers of Severity in Complicated Diverticular Disease

INTRODUCTION

Diverticulitis is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease that may require surgical intervention. The aim of the study was to investigate the involvement of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as biomarkers of severity in complicated diverticular disease (CDD) in Mexican patients and their correlation with the need for surgical intervention, the length of hospital stay, and mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study performed from 2017 to 2021 was considered in patients over 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of CDD by using computed tomography and with a hemogram taken in the first 24 hours upon admission to the emergency department to describe the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of NLR and PLR in the CDD.  Results: A total of 102 Mexican patients suffering from CDD, 54% women and 46% men with a mean of 59 years, were analyzed. According to Hinchey's classification, 79 (77.5%) patients showed type I, 12 (12.8%) type II, 5 (4.9%) type III, and 6 (5.9%) type IV. The mean hospital stay was 8.8 days, with a mortality rate of 3.9%. The cut-off value was established at 5.1 for NLR according to the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.633, a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 43%, PPV of 21.8%, and NPV of 96% for the prediction of CDD. A cut-off value for PLR at 72 was established according to the results of the ROC curve with an AUC of 0.482, a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 40%, PPV of 96%, and NPV of 9% for the prediction of CDD.

CONCLUSION

The NLR and PLR are easily calculable and accessible biomarkers that can be part of the decision-making for the diagnosis and treatment of CDD in Mexican people as has been observed in other populations. However, more prospective, multicenter comparative studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of these biomarkers in relation to those already described.

Emergency medicine updates: Acute diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Acute diverticulitis is a condition commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this disease.

OBJECTIVE

This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning acute diverticulitis for the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis and most commonly affects the sigmoid and descending colon in Western countries. History and examination can suggest the diagnosis, with abdominal pain and tenderness in the left lower quadrant being the most common symptom and sign, respectively. Change in bowel habits and fever may also occur. Laboratory testing may demonstrate leukocytosis or an elevated C-reactive protein. Imaging options can include computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound (US), though most classification systems for diverticulitis incorporate CT findings. While the majority of diverticulitis cases are uncomplicated, complications may affect up to 25% of patients. Treatment of complicated diverticulitis requires antibiotics and surgical consultation. Antibiotics are not required in select patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. Appropriate patients for supportive care without antibiotics should be well-appearing, have pain adequately controlled, be able to tolerate oral intake, be able to follow up, have no complications, and have no immunocompromise or severe comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of literature updates can improve the ED care of patients with acute diverticulitis.

Hemogram-Derived Ratios in the Prognosis of Acute Diverticulitis

Background and Objectives: It is crucial to quickly identify those patients who need immediate treatment in order to avoid the various complications related to acute diverticulitis (AD). Although several studies evaluated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) suggesting its predictive value in assessing the severity of AD, results have been inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune inflammation (SII) with the severity of AD, the ability to predict the presence or absence of complications, and the recurrence rate, based on the values of inflammatory markers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 patients diagnosed with AD between January 2012 to February 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups, uncomplicated and complicated AD. The characteristics and full blood count between both groups were compared. Results: A total of 65 (44.22%) patients were classified as having complicated AD. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) defining a Hinchey score ≥ 1b was as follows: SII, 0.812 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73 -0.888); NLR, 0.773 (95% CI, 0.676-0.857); PLR, 0.725 (95% CI, 0.63-0.813); MLR: 0.665 (95% CI, 0.542 -0.777). An SII cutoff value of > 1200 marked the highest yield for diagnosing complicated AD, with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 76%. The cumulative recurrence rate was not significantly different in the groups of SII ≥ median vs. SII < median (p = 0.35), NLR ≥ median vs. NLR < median (p = 0.347), PLR ≥ median vs. PLR < median (p = 0.597), and MLR ≥ median vs. MLR < median (p = 0.651). Conclusions: Our study indicates that SII, NLR, and PLR are statistically significant and clinically useful classifying ratios to predict higher Hinchey scores. However, they cannot predict recurrences.

Utility of monocyte distribution width in the differential diagnosis between simple and complicated diverticulitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Colonic diverticulitis is a leading cause of abdominal pain. The monocyte distribution width (MDW) is a novel inflammatory biomarker with prognostic significance for coronavirus disease and pancreatitis; however, no study has assessed its correlation with the severity of colonic diverticulitis.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients older than 18 years who presented to the emergency department between November 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, and received a diagnosis of acute colonic diverticulitis after abdominal computed tomography. The characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients with simple versus complicated diverticulitis were compared. The significance of categorical data was assessed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of complicated colonic diverticulitis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to test the efficacy of inflammatory biomarkers in distinguishing simple from complicated cases.

RESULTS

Of the 160 patients enrolled, 21 (13.125%) had complicated diverticulitis. Although right-sided was more prevalent than left-sided colonic diverticulitis (70% versus 30%), complicated diverticulitis was more common in those with left-sided colonic diverticulitis (61.905%, p = 0.001). Age, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and MDW were significantly higher in the complicated diverticulitis group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the left-sided location and the MDW were significant and independent predictors of complicated diverticulitis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was as follows: MDW, 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.784-0.956); CRP, 0.800 (95% CI, 0.707-0.892); NLR, 0.724 (95% CI, 0.616-0.832); PLR, 0.662 (95% CI, 0.525-0.798); and WBC, 0.679 (95% CI, 0.563-0.795). When the MDW cutoff was 20.38, the sensitivity and specificity were maximized to 90.5% and 80.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A large MDW was a significant and independent predictor of complicated diverticulitis. The optimal cutoff value for MDW is 20.38 as it exhibits maximum sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between simple and complicated diverticulitis The MDW may aid in planning antibiotic therapy for patients with colonic diverticulitis in the emergency department.

Platelet to lymphocyte ratio is a risk factor for failure of non-operative treatment of colonic diverticulitis

Non-operative treatment is the mainstay of colonic diverticulitis, but some patients require surgery due to non-operative treatment failure. This study aims to identify risk factors for the failure of non-operative treatment of colonic diverticulitis. From January 2011 to December 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 2362 patients with non-operative treatment for first-attack acute diverticulitis. Patients were categorized into non-operative treatment success or failure groups. Clinical characteristics and serum inflammatory markers were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors for non-operative treatment failure of colonic diverticulitis. Overall, 2.2% (n = 50) of patients underwent delayed surgery within 30 days (median 4.0 [3.0; 8.0]) due to non-operative treatment failure. Multivariable logistic regression identified that platelet to lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.13; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.01-0.09; p = 0.025), left-sided colonic diverticulitis (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.13; p < 0.001), and modified Hinchey classification (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 0.09-0.17; p < 0.001) were risk factors for non-operative treatment failure. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a potential risk factor for the non-operative treatment failure of acute first-attack colonic diverticulitis. Therefore, patients with higher PLR during non-operative treatment should be monitored with special caution.

Predictive factors for conservative treatment failure of right colonic diverticulitis

Purpose

Conservative treatment is the first-line therapy for acute colonic diverticulitis without severe complications, but treatment failure may increase hospitalization duration, medical costs, and morbidities. Usage of the modified Hinchey classification is insufficient to predict the outcome of conservative management. We aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of the modified Hinchey classification and to evaluate predictive factors such as inflammatory markers for the failure of conservative management.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with right colonic diverticulitis undergoing conservative treatment at 3 hospitals between 2017 and 2019 were included. Patients were categorized into conservative treatment success (n = 494) or failure (n = 46) groups. Clinical characteristics and blood inflammatory markers were assessed.

Results

The conservative treatment failure group presented with more elderly patients (>50 years, P = 0.002), more recurrent episodes (P < 0.001), a higher lymphocyte count (P = 0.021), higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.044), and higher modified Glasgow prognostic scores (P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that age of >50 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–5.08; P = 0.008), recurrent episodes (OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.38–9.61; P < 0.001), and higher CRP levels (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12; P = 0.001) were predictive factors for conservative treatment failure, but not the modified Hinchey grade (P = 0.159).

Conclusion

Age of >50 years, recurrent episodes, and CRP levels are potential predictors for conservative management failure of patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis. Further studies are warranted to identify candidates requiring early surgical intervention.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of complicated acute diverticulitis: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction

Currently, the debate on the usefulness of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a predictor of complications in acute diverticulitis (AD) remains open, especially, the relation to the severity of the disease, the clinical impact, and the necessity of minimally invasive or emergency surgical procedures. On the other hand, its diagnostic efficacy has not been studied even in our field. The objective of the present study was to determine the utility and diagnostic precision of NLR in complicated acute diverticulitis (cAD).

Methods

Descriptive, retrospective cohort and analytical study. Patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of AD were included, from 2013 to 2018. Demographic variables, days of hospitalization, leukocyte count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, ESR, CRP, and NLR were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of cAD were determined using ROC curves.

Results

325 patients were included. Of these 196 (60%) were men. The median age was 52 years. A total of 30 (9%) were categorized as cAD. The patients with cAD presented mean values in the leukocyte count (14.02 ± 4.49 × 10⁹/l; p < 0.01), CRP (119.60 ± 87.67; p < 0.01) and NLR (7.61 ± 4.03; p < 0.01). An NLR cutoff value ≥ 4.2 was identified as the most appropriate to distinguish cAD, with a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 64%, NPV of 96%, and PPV of 18%.

Conclusion

NLR is a predictive marker of cAD, with a cut-off point of 4.2 being the best diagnostic approach.

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About 10–15% of patients with acute diverticulitis (AD) can develop complications.

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The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful biomarker in predicting of severity of AD.

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The purpose was to determine the usefulness and diagnostic accuracy of NLR in complicated acute diverticulitis (cAD).

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An NLR cutoff value ≥ 4.2 was identified as the most appropriate to distinguish cAD.

Associations of novel inflammatory markers with long-term outcomes and recurrence of diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as markers of various outcomes of inflammatory and malignant diseases. The association of those markers with short-term outcomes of acute diverticulitis has been discussed in recent studies. This study aimed at evaluation of the association of NLR and PLR with long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

A retrospective single institute study included patients admitted with acute diverticulitis between 2012 and 2016. Associations were analysed of NLR and PLR values at admission with patient outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 456 patients were included in the study. High NLR and PLR values were associated with complicated disease (P < 0.01 for both). Among patients with complicated diverticulitis, for those with high NLR, the interval to a recurrent episode of acute diverticulitis was shorter (68.3 days versus 83.7 days, P = 0.044). Patients with high NLR had higher mean number of readmissions (0.54 versus 0.34, P = 0.035). High NLR (10.06 ± 11.23 versus 7.6 ± 8.04, P = 0.012) and PLR (9.64 days ±10.56 versus 7.47 days ±8.225, P = 0.018) were associated with longer cumulative hospital stay due to acute diverticulitis.

CONCLUSIONS

High NLR and PLR values were associated with recurrence in acute diverticulitis in terms of shorter interval between recurrent episodes and longer cumulative hospitalization days.