High ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and high triglyceride levels in serum as risk factors for pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is still a concerning health problem in pregnancy which can get worse if it is supported by low patient compliance. Appropriate screening method modalities can help in predicting the possibility of worsening. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and serum triglycerides could be used as blood parameters in preeclampsia conditions. This study determined the high Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and high triglyceride levels as risk factors for preeclampsia in pregnant women. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from January to June 2022 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Polyclinic, Prof. dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Hospital. This study involved pregnant women over 18 years of age with a gestational age of more than 20 weeks by consecutive purposive sampling. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and serum triglycerides were obtained by tracing complete blood laboratory results in the medical record. Chi-square analysis was conducted and continued by logistic regression analysis with the p-value <0.05 categorized as a significant result. Results: High NLR levels were at risk of experiencing preeclampsia 32.2 times higher than those with low NLR (95%CI 6.8 – 151; p=0.000). Patients with high triglyceride levels had a risk of experiencing preeclampsia 23.1 times higher than those with low triglycerides (95%CI 5.45 – 97.26; p=0.000). NLR, serum triglycerides, and maternal age were independent risk factors for preeclampsia after controlling for parity variables (p<0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and high triglyceride levels are risk factors for preeclampsia.