Clinical Usefulness of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Henoch–Schönlein Nephritis

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#Henoch–Schönlein purpura is the most widespread systemic vasculitis during childhood. This study evaluated the relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Henoch–Schönlein nephritis, which is important for the long-term prognosis of Henoch–Schönlein purpura.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura at the Department of Pediatrics of Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between January 2007 and June 2018. One hundred and twelve patients under the age of 18 who were diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura according to Henoch–Schönlein purpura diagnostic criteria, European League Against Rheumatism were included in the study. Blood and urine test, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and abdominal computed tomography performed during the first visit were included.@*RESULTS@#Among 112 Henoch–Schönlein purpura patients, 25 patients were Henoch–Schönlein nephritis. NLR was significantly increased in patients with Henoch–Schönlein nephritis compared to patients without nephritis (P=0.042), which is an independent predictor of Henoch–Schönlein nephritis.@*CONCLUSION@#This study showed that NLR could be a useful predictor of Henoch–Schönlein nephritis in patients with Henoch–Schönlein purpura.