Neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio and platelets to lymphocytes ratio in pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy: A case-control study

Early diagnosis of preeclampsia as one of the complications of pregnancy is very important in controlling this disease and preventing further risks for the mother and fetus. Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and platelets to lymphocytes ratio (PLR) are both inflammatory ratios which can be easily calculated. NLR and PLR were previously tested as predictors of common pregnancy complications, but the results were inconsistent. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to compare neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio and platelets to lymphocytes ratio in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women.

This case-control study was performed on 153 pregnant women referred to Ali Ibne Abitaleb Hospital of Zahedan in 2018. Patients were divided into three groups: control, mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia. Data were collected using pre-designed information forms. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and ANOVA and Tukey tests. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in the preeclampsia group was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.008), but the ratio of platelet to lymphocyte was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.236).

Since the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in the preeclampsia group was significantly higher than the control group, it seems that neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio can be used to predict preeclampsia.