Blood Sampling and Analyses
A blood sample of 2ml for full blood count (FBC) was taken from all the cases included in the study during first presentation at the hospital before any treatment was started. FBC was examined from the obtained samples with an automatic blood count device (Abbott Celldyn 3500, IL, USA). A venous blood sample of 2cc was taken for the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which were obtained using a spectrophotometric chemical analysis device (Architect C16000, Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA).