Pediatric central nervous system tumors in the first 3 years of life: pre-operative mean platelet volume, neutrophil/lymphocyte count ratio, and white blood cell count correlate with the presence of a central nervous system tumor.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the relationship of pre-operative complete blood count parameters [mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil/lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR), and white blood cell count (WBC)], with the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features and the management options for patients under 3 years of age with a newly diagnosed central nervous system tumors.

METHODS: Children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the first 3 years of life admitted in the Erciyes University Hospital between April 2004 and April 2014 were enrolled in this study. The CBC parameters were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched normal control group.

RESULTS: In the study group, the means of MPV and WBC were 8.00 ± 1.24 fl, and 10,855 ± 3642/mm(3) respectively; the median (25-75%) of NLCR was 0.98 (0.66-1.46). For the control group, the means of MPV and WBC were 6.8 ± 0.73 fl and 8565 ± 2522/mm(3); the median (25-75%) of NLCR was 0.52 (0.36-0.70). The MPV, WBC, and NLCR were higher in the study group. The median overall survival (OS) of the patients was 60 months (range 0-81.6 months); and median event free survival (EFS) was 24 months (range 0-70.1 months). The formulation of MPV, NLCR, and WBC was found to be predictive for the diagnosis of CNS tumor in children with nonspecific symptoms. The univariate and multiple binary regression analyses showed a positive association of MPV, NLCR, and WBC and the risk of a diagnosis of CNS tumor. There was no relationship between MPV, WBC, NLCR, and histological subgroups. However, there were no associations between CBC parameters and OS or EFS of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: By causing suspicion, MPV, NLCR, and WBC may provide both an earlier radiological investigation decision and thereby an early diagnosis of CNS tumor in children with nonspecific symptoms in the first 3 years of life.