Red cell distribution width-to-platelet count ratio is a promising predictor of functional bowel disease

Introduction
Hemogram parameters are not only diagnostic tools in haematological diseases, but their role in inflammatory conditions is also important. One of these haematological markers is a derived index, the so-called red cell distribution width-to-platelet count ratio (RPR). The role of RPR has been well established in various inflammatory conditions. Objectives. In the present study, we aimed to observe the RPR levels of patients with functional bowel disease (FBD), which is also considered as an inflammatory process, and to compare this to the healthy population.

Material and methods
Patients diagnosed with FBD according to Rome IV criteria were included as the study group. Healthy volunteers were enrolled as control subjects. Patients with any form of anaemia or haematological disorders or inflammatory diseases were excluded. Age, gender and hemogram parameters were obtained from institutional databases. The data of the study and control groups was compared.

Results
158 subjects were enrolled in the study; 87 in the FBD group and 71 in the control group. The RPR of the FBD and control groups were 7% (2%) and 5% (1%), respectively. The difference in RPR between the FBD and control groups was statistically significant (p = 0.008). A RPR value higher than 6% has a 70% sensitivity and 52% specificity in detecting FBD. There was a significant and positive correlation between RPR levels and the presence of FBD (r = 0.22, p = 0.007).

Conclusions
We suggest that elevated RPR levels could yield potential diagnostic benefits in the diagnosis of FBD. However, prospective studies with a larger population are needed to confirm our results.