Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of the HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, platelet) score and inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in distinguishing between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between May and August 2024 at Ankara Etlik State Hospital and included patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were treated surgically. HALP score, CRP, NLR, and PLR were calculated using preoperative laboratory results. Patients were categorized into complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis groups based on intraoperative and histopathological findings. Statistical analyses included the independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 208 patients were analyzed. HALP scores were significantly lower in the complicated appendicitis group (4.6 vs. 5.8, p=0.002), while CRP levels were significantly higher (84.9 vs. 38.7 mg/L, p<0.001). NLR (7.0 vs. 6.9, p=0.091) and PLR (165 vs. 170, p=0.767) did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusion: CRP and HALP score are useful parameters for predicting complicated appendicitis. The HALP score, reflecting both systemic inflammation and nutritional status, may serve as a novel and cost-effective tool in clinical assessment.