Evaluation of Neutrophlil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in bronchiectasis exacerbation

<b>Background:</b> Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by number of lymphocytes. It is a useful marker in a variety of inflammatory diseases and it has been evaluated as a prognostic factor in different types of cancer. We aim to evaluate NLR in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation and its correlation to microbiological data. <b>Methods:</b> The study population consisted of 37 patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation with mean age of 75 years and 32 age and sex-matched healthy controls. The NLR was was calculated from peripheral blood sample in the first 24 hours of hospitalization and the mean value of NLR was measured in patients and controls. In addition, sputum culture was performed in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation. <b>Results:</b> Mean value of NRL was 9,42 in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation and 3,1 in healthy controls. There was statistically significant difference in NLR between patients and controls (p&lt;0.001). Twenty three patients had positive sputum cultures and fourteen had negative sputum cultures. NLR value was 11,21 in patients with positive sputum cultures and 6,48 in patients with negative sputum cultures There was statistically significant difference in NLR between the patients with positive and negative sputum cultures(p&lt;0.05) <b>Conclusions:</b> NLR is increased in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation compared to healthy controls. Additionally NLR could propably be used for prediction of positive sputum cultures in these patients.