Predictive Value Of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio For Unfavorable Outcomes In Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: A Clinical Risk Stratification Study

Authors

  • Faiz Pasha Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.
  • Hafiz Dur-e-Furqani Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.
  • Abdul Rehman Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.
  • Tanzeel Ur Rahman Gazder Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.
  • Murli Lal Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.
  • Adeeb ul Hassan Rizvi Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd15-2/008

Keywords:

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR)

Abstract

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a life-threatening necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma, marked by gas formation within the renal structures. It is strongly associated with diabetes mellitus. While nephrectomy was historically the mainstay of treatment, recent studies suggest that conservative management using stenting, percutaneous drainage, or medical therapy may be effective. The aim was to determine the frequency of unfavourable outcomes after primary procedures in patients presenting with EPN and compare the frequency of unfavourable outcomes among patients with NLR <5 and >5.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from 18-06-2020 to 17-12-2020. A total of 66 patients aged 30–70 years with CT-confirmed EPN were included. Patients were grouped by neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission. Disease severity was assessed using Huang-Tseng classification. All patients were followed for one-month post-intervention to assess outcomes.

Results: Mean age was 50.38±11.09 years, and mean disease duration was 3.15±1.47 months. Females were 74.24% of the cohort, and 72.73% were diabetic. NLR >5 was found in 51.52% of cases. Unfavourable outcomes occurred in 24.24%, significantly more in those with NLR >5.

Conclusion: NLR is a useful prognostic marker to predict unfavourable outcomes in EPN managed conservatively.

Author Biographies

  • Faiz Pasha, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Department of Urology

  • Hafiz Dur-e-Furqani, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Senior Lecture, Department of Urology

  • Abdul Rehman, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Urology

  • Tanzeel Ur Rahman Gazder, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Associate Professor, Department of Urology

  • Murli Lal, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Professor, Department of Urology.

  • Adeeb ul Hassan Rizvi, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi.

    Professor, Department of Urology.

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Published

2026-04-13

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How to Cite

1.
Pasha F, Dur-e-Furqani H, Rehman A, Gazder TUR, Lal M, Rizvi A ul H. Predictive Value Of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio For Unfavorable Outcomes In Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: A Clinical Risk Stratification Study. PJMD [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 13 [cited 2026 Jun. 3];15(2):85-9. Available from: https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/4287

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