The role of the hemoglobin-albumin-lymphocyte-platelet (HALP) score in deep neck infections and its relationship with clinical parameters.

Background/aim: Deep neck infections (DNI) are suppurative infections of the cervical spaces, which may lead to life-threatening complications. The HALP score is a laboratory parameter reflecting a patient's nutritional and inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to compare the HALP scores of patients with DNI with those of a control group. A secondary objective was to investigate the potential relationship between the HALP score and clinical parameters, and to assess its role in determining disease severity.

Materials and methods: The study retrospectively included patients who were hospitalized and treated for DNI. Data were extracted from the hospital's electronic records. The control group comprised patients admitted for surgery with a diagnosis of septal deviation. Patients with DNI were designated as Group 1, and the control subjects as Group 2. HALP scores were calculated using a defined formula. The HALP scores of patients with DNI were compared with those of the control group, and the relationship between the HALP score and various clinical parameters was subsequently evaluated.

Results: A total of 433 patients were included in the study. The groups were similar in terms of number of patients, age, and sex. Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, and HALP scores were significantly lower in Group 1, whereas leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet counts were significantly higher. A negative correlation was observed between the HALP score and length of hospital stay (r = -0.293, p < 0.01), abscess dimensions (height: r = -0.271; length: r = -0.267, p < 0.01), and CRP levels (r = -0.222, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Patients with DNI exhibited lower HALP scores than the normal population. HALP scores below 46.14 were significantly associated with indicators of severe disease, including an elevated inflammatory response, larger abscess size, and prolonged hospital stay.