Role of hematological and inflammatory marker in granulomatous compared to non-granulomatous lymphadenitis

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy can result due to an increase in lymphocytes in the lymph node due to various infections like tuberculosis and lymphoproliferative conditions. Granulomatous lymphadenitis causes an increase in inflammatory biomarkers which can be assessed by simple hemogram using TLC and DLC and ratios derived from it like NLR (Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio) and PLR (Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio). To establish the role of hematological and inflammatory biomarkers in granulomatous and non-granulomatous lymphadenitis.The study was performed in a tertiary care center from august 2020 to September 2022. The study included 150 patients with neck mass taking inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. Cytologically proven cases were categorised into granulomatous and non-granulomatous cases depending on cytological evaluation. Different laboratory parameters like TLC, DLC, ESR, CRP, NLR, and PLR were used to compare granulomatous lymphadenitis to non-granulomatous.In the studied population there were 92(61.3%) females and 58(38.7%) males but when compared to the non-granulomatous lymphadenitis group, females predominated by 70.7% hematological markers like NLR, PLR, and CRP in the granulomatous lymphadenitis group was significantly higher. The mean Neutrophil was considerably higher among granulomatous lymphadenitis but in non-granulomatous lymphadenitis, the group showed considerably greater mean lymphocytes.Tuberculosis is the most frequent clinical condition connected to cervical lymphadenopathy in our area. More often than not, women are involved. Hematological and biochemical parameters like NLR, PLR, and CRP can give us some indication before FNAC for the presence of granulomatous and non-granulomatous lymphadenitis. It will help the treating doctor think methodically about early case identification and avoid diagnostic delays in situations like tuberculosis, especially at the primary care level.