Preoperative neutrophil-to-C-reactive protein ratio as a predictor of post-operative complications of pancreas cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We would like to investigate the prognostic utility of the previously described factors and offer a new parameter called neutrophil-to-C-reactive protein ratio (NCR) as a predictor of post-operative complications of pancreas cancer.

METHODS

92 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for the pancreatic head tumor were enrolled in this study. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to detect the cutoff values, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors of complications.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, complications were observed in lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio levels below 0.06 (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-14.21, p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, albumin < 3.6 (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.16-9.06, p = 0.024) and NCR < 0.28 (OR: 2.81, 95 % CI: 1.07-7.63, p = 0.042) were the independent and significant predictors of the overall survival.

DISCUSSION: Quantification of preoperative NCR and albumin may help surgeons to settle an effective perioperative management, take extra caution, and be aware of post-operative complications of pancreatic cancer patients.