Reduced Neutrophil-to-Eosinophil Ratio in Chronic Dacryocystitis: A Hematological Clue to Allergic Pathogenesis.

Abstract

Aim: To examine complete blood count parameters for differences in chronic dacryocystitis compared to controls, exploring their potential link to a possible allergic-inflammatory contribution in lacrimal surgery.

Methods: This retrospective study included 190 adults aged 18-83 years who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) with chronic dacryocystitis between January 2018 and June 2023. Preoperative peripheral blood samples were analyzed for leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet, eosinophil, and monocyte counts. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER) were calculated and compared with a control group consisting of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals who underwent routine ophthalmological examinations.

Results: Eosinophil counts were significantly higher (p = 0.003) and NER significantly lower (p = 0.014) in the DCR group compared to controls, with no significant differences in other parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Elevated eosinophil levels and reduced NER suggest a possible allergic-inflammatory contribution to chronic dacryocystitis. NER may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying patients with an allergic-inflammatory profile; however, prospective studies are required to establish its clinical utility.