The predictive role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and other complete blood count parameters in eclampsia and HELLP syndrome

Abstract

Background/Aim: Previous studies declared the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and other routine complete blood count (CBC) components as sensitive preeclampsia biomarkers. We speculated that the same associations existed with eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 120 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Forty-nine patients with HELLP syndrome, 40 patients with eclampsia/preeclampsia, and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. All groups were evaluated in terms of clinical characteristics and first-trimester hematological parameters. The primary outcomes were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the secondary results were hemoglobin, red blood distribution width, mean platelet volume, platelet count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count. Results: The median gestational age was 34 weeks (ranging between 23 and 41), with a median birth weight of 2300 grams. The median NLR was 3.9 (1.3-25.1), and the median PLR was 113.6 (20.7-693). The NLR and PLR values were significantly different between the three groups (P=0.014, P=0.002, respectively). NLR was different between normotensive and eclamptic pregnant women. PLR values were higher in normotensive pregnant women than in pregnant women with a history of HELLP. The median red cell distribution width was 44.6 in normotensive women, 41.5 in women with eclampsia, and 44.3 in women with a history of HELLP (P=0.017). Conclusion: TLR value was higher in pregnant women who had eclampsia. Platelet count and MPV were significantly lower in the HELLP group.