Absolute eosinophil count is a reliable prognostic marker in patients with liver cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study at rural central India

Background Various laboratory parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP), Cortisol, and Von Willebrand factor antigen have been evaluated independently in foreseeing outcomes of cirrhotic patients. As these parameters lack cost-effectiveness in a rural setup, there is a need for a cost effective and feasible prognostic marker for cirrhotic patients. The present study was aimed at evaluating the role of Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) as a prognostic marker in cirrhotic patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital in central India from August 2019 to September 2021. AEC was measured from counter report as a part of automated complete blood counts. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score were calculated at the time of admission. AEC levels on admission were correlated with mortality and with CTP score and MELD score. Results A total of 110 patients were enrolled with mean age of 46.37 ± 11.6 years. AEC was the significant predictor of mortality at cut off point of ≤ 120 with 80.30% (AUC 0.803; 95% CI: 0.716 to 0.873). AEC was the significant predictor of CTP score ≥ 11 at cut off point of ≤ 148 (AUC 0.726; 95% CI: 0.633 to 0.807). AEC was the significant predictor of MELD score ≥ 25 at cut off point of ≤ 136 (AUC 0.74; 95% CI: 0.647 to 0.819). Significant negative correlation was seen between AEC with Child–Pugh score and MELD score with correlation coefficient of -0.257 and -0.258. Conclusion Low level of AEC on admission fairly predicted raised CTP score and MELD score on admission. Low AEC levels predicted increased mortality in cirrhotic patients making it a cheap and reliable prognostic marker in a rural setup.