The Accuracy of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Prediction of Preeclampsia in Low Risk Population

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical problems encountered in pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prediction of preeclampsia (PET) in low risk population. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative cross-sectional study was designed to test the accuracy of neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio in prediction of preeclampsia in low risk population. The cases were divided into 2 groups; group I included 35 normotensive women at the first 48 hours after delivery with normal blood pressure throughout the pregnancy till full term delivery as a control group and group II included 35 preeclamptic pregnant women at the first 48 hours after delivery with blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman with a previously normal blood pressure. A complete blood count was taken in three different occasions; the first one was taken just before labour then N/L ratio was calculated (Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio. The second one was taken in the first 48 hours after delivery then N/L ratio was calculated (Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio. Morover, the third one was taken at early pregnancy before 20 th week of gestation from their files then N/L ratio was calculated (Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio. Conclusion: Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio cannot predict preeclampsia in low risk population.