Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio: is it an Indicator of Spontaneous Passage of Ureteral Stones.

Description

Abstract (English)

Abstract
Objective: Conservative management of ureteral stones is affected by many factors of which Location and the
size of stones are most important. Inflammation around the stone has been identifies as an important variable
related to spontaneous passage of stone (SPS). Our aim was to investigate the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte
ratio (NLR) for SPS.
Methods: A prospective study was performed on 74 patients who attended urology outpatient clinic and
emergency department between January 2018 and December 2018. Non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography
(NCCT) was done in all patients for confirmation of ureteral stones. History, physical examinations and needed
blood investigations, plain x-rays were done in all patients. SPS was confirmed by either patient noticing stone
passing during urination or by NCCT done 3 weeks after the first stone episode. XLSTAT was used to analyze
the data.
Results: SPS was observed in 56 (75.6%) of patients out of 74 enrolled in the study. SPS rates within 3 weeks
according to stone size were 61% (5-10 mm) and 86% (≤5 mm). NLR (<2.4) (odds ratio (OR), 8.96; p: 0.002),
smaller stone size (≤5 mm) (OR: 9.28; p: 0.001) and lower stone location (OR: 10.86; p: 0.001) were independent
predictors of SPS.
Conclusion: A low NLR (< 2.4) may be a predictor of SPS for ureteral stones <1.0 cm size and ureteral
inflammation is independent factor in SPS. So, early intervention may be considered in patients with high NLR (
≥2.4).