‘Promising’: First trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may predict preeclampsia
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CHICAGO — A biomarker of systemic inflammation, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during the first trimester of pregnancy may predict the development of preeclampsia, data showed.
According to the poster presented at the hybrid Women in Medicine Summit, the “cost-effectiveness, accessibility, affordability and simplicity” of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) make it a “promising” resource for preeclampsia prediction, especially in communities and practices that have challenges accessing certain resources.
Alphecca C. Labitad, MD, who recently completed residency training in the department of OB/GYN at Fatima University Medical Center in Valenzuela City, Philippines, enrolled 105 nulliparous girls and women aged 15 to 35 years when they were 11 to 14 weeks pregnant. Labitad analyzed the association between NLR at enrollment and a diagnosis of preeclampsia based on ACOG’s 2013 criteria.
In total, 49 participants had a normal NLR at baseline and 56 had an elevated NLR. Participants who developed preeclampsia had significantly higher NLR at enrollment compared with participants who did not have preeclampsia (P < .001).
Further analyses revealed that an NLR of greater than 4.19 was the optimal cutoff to predict preeclampsia, with a sensitivity of 90.7% and specificity of 86.3%.
“This current research undertaking will shed light for the utilization of NLR in the prediction of preeclampsia among gravid women at risk,” Labitad told Healio. “Consequently, the prediction of preeclampsia in early gestation may lead to an effective and prompt prophylactic strategies. ... This will allow for more intensive antenatal surveillance, early management to avert complications such as seizure, cardiovascular and metabolic complications and even death.”