Evaluation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting the prognosis of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe form of haemorrhagic fever identified in parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. CCHF continues to be a justifiable cause of concern for people in rural areas where the disease is endemic. A total of 151 patients, diagnosed with CCHF, were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of these patients and the relationship between the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission and survival were examined. There were 21 (13.9%) deaths. There was no relationship between age, gender and mortality, but elevated neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on admission was statistically associated with mortality. NLR is a laboratory marker that can be studied even in medical centres with limited facilities and may be helpful in predicting the clinical course of the disease.