A Comparative Study on Hematological Inflammation Markers in Acne Vulgaris

Aim: The literature does not include sufficient data on the hematological inflammation markers in acne vulgaris. The present study aimed to investigate potential of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume as inflammatory markers in acne vulgaris.

Study Design: This is a a case-control, comparative clinical study conducted with the approval of ethical review board.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology between March 2015 and July 2015.

Methodology: The study included 45 moderate/severe acne patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. Demographic data, medical history were recorded. Laboratory parameters, including total leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume were retrospectively evaluated before treatment, and after 3-months of oral isotretinoin treatment. Parameters of the patient group (pre-treatment) and the control group, additionally pre-treatment and post-treatment parameters of the patient group were compared.

Results: The mean total leucocyte count (P < 0.001), neutrophil count (P < 0.001), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.047) were significantly higher, and mean platelet volume (P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the patient group (pre-treatment) compared to the control group. Additionally, the mean post-treatment leucocyte count (P = 0.001), neutrophil count (P < 0.001), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared to pre-treatment parameters.

Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is associated with systemic inflammation, and isotretinoin treatment has systemic anti-inflammatory effects. Especially, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is indicative of systemic inflammation in acne, and may be used as a follow-up marker during treatment.