Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios to predict ARDS in children with severe burns

Turning Ratios Into Prognosis: Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios as Powerful Predictors of ARDS in Pediatric Burn Patients: A Prospective Evaluation

Observational Ain Shams University · NCT07414056

This study will test whether routine blood-count ratios (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte) can help predict ARDS in children aged 1–12 with severe thermal burns.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07414056 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

A prospective observational cohort at the Ain Shams University burn ICU will enroll at least 60 pediatric patients with 20–40% TBSA thermal burns admitted within 24 hours. Clinical data (age, sex, TBSA, ABSI, inhalation injury) and serial complete blood counts will be collected on admission and on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to calculate NLR and PLR. Respiratory support at admission and progression to endotracheal intubation or ARDS will be recorded and correlated with the biomarker trajectories. Ethical approval and informed consent will be obtained and standard clinical care will not be altered by participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 1–12 years with thermal or scald burns covering 20–40% TBSA who are admitted within 24 hours and have no major comorbidities meet the enrollment criteria.

Not a fit: Children outside the 1–12 age range, with non-thermal burns, burns under 20% or over 40% TBSA, delayed admission, or significant inflammatory/hematologic/immunocompromising conditions are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these specific biomarkers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these routine blood-count ratios could help clinicians identify children at higher risk of ARDS earlier, allowing closer monitoring or timelier interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Prior adult and some pediatric critical care studies have shown that elevated NLR and PLR correlate with severity and outcomes, but applying them specifically to predict ARDS in pediatric burn patients remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 1-12 years.
* Patients presenting within 24 hours of burn injury.
* Patients presenting with severe burns 20-40% of total body surface area (TBSA).
* Thermal burns or scalds.
* Both sexes.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal to participate in the trial.
* Age \<1 \& \>12 years.
* Delayed admission \>24h post-injury.
* Patients presenting with burns \<20% or \>40% of TBSA.
* Non-thermal burns.
* Associated medical comorbidities: Chronic liver or kidney diseases, anemia.
* Preexisting chronic lung disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia).
* Inflammatory conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease).
* Immunocompromised individuals, autoimmune diseases, those undergoing treatment with immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, cytotoxic chemotherapy.
* Known malignancies, hematologic malignancy or conditions altering WBC/platelets significantly.
* Previous malnutrition.
* Immunosuppressive therapy prior to admission (e.g., chronic steroids).

Where this trial is running

Cairo

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.