Predictive value of haematological indices on mortality in patients with empyema.

BACKGROUND: Empyema is an infectious disease characterised by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, accompanied by inflammation. Patients often present with fever, chest pain, dyspnea, or cough, and delayed diagnosis or treatment is associated with a high mortality rate. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Pan-Immune Value (PIV), C-Reactive Protein (CRP)-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY) index, and the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) to assess the severity of empyema and predict mortality risk. METHODS: Seventy-three patients diagnosed with empyema in the thoracic surgery clinic between January 2022 and October 2024 were included in the study. Patients were categorised based on their need for intensive care. Demographic and laboratory data (white blood cell count, platelet count, albumin levels, pleural fluid culture results, and C-reactive protein levels) were recorded. Differences between empyema patient groups classified according to disease severity were analysed. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients included in our study, four deaths were recorded. The CALLY index could be used for intensive care and ward triage (p= 0.039). Although the SII and SIRI indices were not suitable for triage purposes, the SIRI index was found to help predict mortality (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In empyema cases, the CALLY index can be used to determine the need for intensive care, whereas the SIRI can help predict mortality risk.