Prognostic importance of the pan-immune-inflammation value and potential serological biomarkers of complicated peritonsillar abscesses

Aims: A peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep infection of the head and neck and can sometimes be associated with life-threatening complications. Clinical symptoms in patients with a complicated peritonsillar abscess (CPTA) may not always reflect the severity of this disease. Therefore, monitoring these patients with inexpensive and easily accessible hematological parameters is essential. Recently, certain inflammatory monitoring markers have gained acceptance. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) in patients with a PTA at a high risk of complications. Methods: Patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with a PTA and hospitalized in our clinic between October 10, 2022, and October 1, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the CPTA group and the uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess (UPTA) group. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and complications observed in the emergency department were evaluated. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study, with 71 in the UPTA group and 33 in the CPTA group. PIV values were significantly higher in the CPTA group compared to the UPTA group. The diagnostic value of PIV in predicting PTA-related complications was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A PIV cutoff value of 989.6 (AUC: 0.838; 95% confidence interval: 0.753-0.903) demonstrated a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 85.9%, indicating superior predictive power for PTA-related complications compared to NLR, MLR, and SII. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the PIV is a rapid, simple, and reliable marker for predicting the severity of PTAs and potential complications.