Detection of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a serum marker associated with inflammations by acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Objective: To investigate neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is an indicator of systemic inflammation, in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Methods: We included 528 patients (275 women) who presented with a diagnosis of CO poisoning between June 2009 and March 2014. Control group was composed of 54 patients (24 women). Platelet count and mean platelet volume level were significantly higher in the CO poisoning group. Results: White blood cell level (9.8 +/- 3.3 vs. 8.6 +/- 2.9 x 10(3)/mL, respectively; P = 0.01), neutrophil count (6.00 +/- 2.29 vs. 4.43 +/- 2.04 x 10(3)/mL, respectively; P < 0.01) and NLR (3.01 +/- 2.34 vs. 2.23 +/- 1.27, respectively; P = 0.02) were significantly higher in CO poisoning group. Conclusions: The increase of NLR may indicate the progression of fatal complications due to CO poisoning.