Critical analysis of blood parameters in epilepsy patients

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it was purposed to assign the neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, in concur with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and plateletto-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) levels in patients with epilepsy.

Material and Methods: The retrospective study was carried out at the Neurology Department of Ordu Medicalpark Hospital. Data were obtained from the medical records of the patients in the neurology clinic between January 2018 and April 2019. According to ILAE 2017 epilepsy classification criteria, 113 patients were included in the study. Furthermore, 57 healthy individuals received for a check-up were included in the study as the control group. Venous blood samples obtained from the patient and control groups were performed.

Results: Compared to the control group, WBC, Platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte levels were statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p=0.019, p=0.008, p=0.012, p=0.024, respectively). Hematocrit levels were statistically significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.022). Compared to the control group, NLR and PLR levels were statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p=0.016, p=0.010, respectively). The risk factors found to be significantly associated with epilepsy in the regression analysis included WBC, lymphocyte, NLR, and PLR.

Discussion: WBC, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte NLR, and PLR levels significantly increased in patients with epilepsy. In addition, the risk factors found to be significantly associated with epilepsy in the regression analysis included WBC, lymphocyte, NLR, and PLR. Broader prospective studies are needed to show the mechanisms between epilepsy and these new inflammatory parameters.