Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein in non-fatal suicidal attempts: A cross-sectional pilot study in Bangladesh

Background Precise identification of risk factors for suicide has been found as fundamentally challenging for the stakeholders. In search of that, the determination of potential biological markers of suicide has been scrutinizing in recent days. However, replicative studies across the culture and time are warranted to utilize the biomarkers in decision-making while considering suicide prevention. Objectives We aimed to measure the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in non-fatal suicidal attempts. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected from 26 hospitalized patients after an immediate non-fatal suicidal attempt. We collected blood samples and assessed the complete blood count, NLR, and CRP. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Science version 24.0 and Microsoft Excel software. We performed the independent Mann-Whitney U test to determine the variations between the groups. A value <.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results The mean age of the study population was 24.1 (+/- 7.3), more than half of them (n = 19, 73.1%) were female. The mode of attempt was either hanging (n = 13, 50.0%) or poisoning (n = 13, 50.0%). The previous attempt was noted in 12 (46.2%) cases. The mean CRP level was 16.8 (+/- 30.2) mg/L and the mean NLR level was 8.3 (+/- 6.8) for the total sample. Both the CRP and NLR were significantly higher among those who attempted hanging (P = .019 and .001). Conclusions The current study revealed preliminary findings on CRP and NLR among non-fatal suicides in Bangladesh where both of the parameters were significantly higher in non-fatal hanging.