Evaluation of the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa, the primary mediator of which is immunoglobulin E. Allergic rhinitis occurs in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between allergies and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with allergic rhinitis with a positive skin-prick test. STUDY DESIGN: This study was planned and performed as a case-control study. METHODS: There were 695 patients who presented to our clinic who were enrolled in the study. Only group 4 fit the criteria for allergic rhinitis. Group 1 (nonsensitized asymptomatic [control group]), group 2 (nonsensitized symptomatic), group 3 (sensitized asymptomatic), and group 4 (sensitized symptomatic). The patients' allergy symptoms and skin test results were assessed and compared. The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for each patient was calculated. The eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated for each group. RESULTS: The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and eosinophil counts in groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) than those in groups 1 and 2. The lymphocyte counts in groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower (p = 0.046) than those of groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may be used in conjunction with skin-prick testing in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. This parameter is inexpensive to measure and easy to use and calculate.