Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of NLR as a biomarker for ILO

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 22 views

Neutrophils of Lymphocyte Ratio as an Early Biomarker of Surgical Wound Infections in Postoperative Patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Surgical wound infections are one of the most common nosocomial infections after surgical procedures, with an incidence rate of up to 71% in the field of orthopedic surgery. Direct inoculation during surgical procedures is the primary cause of these infections. Although blood culture and wound culture are considered the gold standard for diagnosing surgical wound infections (ILO), there are several obstacles to their application. Therefore, an alternative marker is needed to aid in the early diagnosis of ILO. One of the relevant markers is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which can help in understanding the pathogenesis of ILO.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Surgical Wound Infections

Early diagnosis of surgical wound infections is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of complications. Surgical wound infections can lead to serious consequences, including prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even mortality. Therefore, it is essential to identify reliable biomarkers that can aid in the early detection of ILO.

Research Methods

This study is an observational study with a retrospective data collection method. Blood samples were taken from 60 patients who had undergone spine surgery. The blood samples were examined for NLR on the day after the fifth surgery. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and value of the NLR limit as an early biomarker ILO in post-surgical patients.

Results and Discussion

A total of 60 post-operating patients participated in the study conducted at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan between November 2021 and January 2022. Of these, 29 patients (48%) were male and 31 patients (52%) were women, with an average age of 52 years. Analysis using the Spearman correlation test shows a significant relationship between NLR and ILO with a fairly good correlation power. The average NLR obtained is 10.10 with a standard deviation of 5.27, and the R value obtained is greater than 0.497 with a P value of less than 0.0005.

The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between NLR and ILO. This finding indicates that NLR can be used as an early biomarker in detecting surgical wound infections in patients undergoing spine surgery. To get more comprehensive results, it is recommended that further research involves a larger number of subjects. In addition, connecting NLR with other imaging examinations such as MRI or culture can strengthen Early ILO detection efforts.

Conclusion and Suggestions

The results of this study suggest that NLR can be used as an early biomarker in detecting surgical wound infections in patients undergoing spine surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of NLR as a biomarker for ILO. Additionally, connecting NLR with other imaging examinations such as MRI or culture can strengthen Early ILO detection efforts.

Additional Resources

Leclercq, S., et al. (2020). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in infection and surgery. Journal of Surgical Research.
Wong, C., et al. (2022). The Role of Biomarkers in Predicting Surgical Site Infection: A Systematic Review. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Akca, O., et al. (2021). The relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and post-operative outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic Reviews.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted at a single hospital. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of NLR as a biomarker for ILO. Additionally, connecting NLR with other imaging examinations such as MRI or culture can strengthen Early ILO detection efforts.

Future Directions

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study suggests that NLR can be used as an early biomarker in detecting surgical wound infections in patients undergoing spine surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of NLR as a biomarker for ILO. Additionally, connecting NLR with other imaging examinations such as MRI or culture can strengthen Early ILO detection efforts.

References

Leclercq, S., et al. (2020). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in infection and surgery. Journal of Surgical Research.
Wong, C., et al. (2022). The Role of Biomarkers in Predicting Surgical Site Infection: A Systematic Review. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Akca, O., et al. (2021). The relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and post-operative outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic Reviews.

Keywords

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
Surgical wound infections (ILO)
Early biomarker
Postoperative patients
Spine surgery
H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and surgical wound infections (ILO) in postoperative patients undergoing spine surgery at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between NLR and ILO. This finding suggests that NLR can be used as an early biomarker in detecting surgical wound infections in patients undergoing spine surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of NLR as a biomarker for ILO.
Q&A: Neutrophils of Lymphocyte Ratio as an Early Biomarker of Surgical Wound Infections

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of early diagnosis of surgical wound infections and the potential of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a biomarker for detecting these infections. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about NLR and its role in detecting surgical wound infections.

Q: What is neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)?

A: NLR is a simple blood test that measures the ratio of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) to lymphocytes (another type of white blood cell). It is a marker of inflammation and has been shown to be associated with various diseases, including cancer and infections.

Q: How is NLR used as a biomarker for surgical wound infections?

A: NLR is used as a biomarker for surgical wound infections because it can detect inflammation in the body, which is a key component of infection. Elevated NLR levels have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of surgical wound infections.

Q: What are the benefits of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections?

A: The benefits of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections include:

Early detection of infection: NLR can detect infection before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment and prevention of complications.
Non-invasive: NLR is a simple blood test that does not require invasive procedures.
Cost-effective: NLR is a cost-effective biomarker compared to other diagnostic tests.

Q: What are the limitations of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections?

A: The limitations of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections include:

False positives: Elevated NLR levels can be caused by other conditions, such as cancer or inflammation, which can lead to false positives.
False negatives: Normal NLR levels do not rule out the possibility of infection.
Limited specificity: NLR is not specific to surgical wound infections and can be elevated in other conditions.

Q: How can NLR be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to improve detection of surgical wound infections?

A: NLR can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as wound culture and imaging studies, to improve detection of surgical wound infections. A combination of these tests can provide a more accurate diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Q: What are the future directions for research on NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections?

A: Future research on NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections should focus on:

Validation of NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections in larger studies.
Development of more specific and sensitive NLR assays.
Investigation of NLR in combination with other biomarkers to improve detection of surgical wound infections.

Q: What are the implications of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections in clinical practice?

A: The implications of using NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections in clinical practice include:

Early detection and treatment of infection, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Improved patient safety and reduced risk of complications.
Enhanced quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Q: What are the potential applications of NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections in other fields?

A: The potential applications of NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections in other fields include:

Detection of infection in other surgical specialties, such as cardiothoracic and neurosurgery.
Detection of infection in non-surgical settings, such as in patients with chronic wounds or in patients with cancer.
Development of NLR-based diagnostic tests for other conditions, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NLR is a promising biomarker for detecting surgical wound infections. While there are limitations to its use, NLR can be a valuable tool in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to improve detection of infection and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to validate NLR as a biomarker for surgical wound infections and to explore its potential applications in other fields.