Evaluation of Complete Blood Parameters and Inflammation Markers in Spontaneous Preterm Labor

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers, derived from complete blood count (CBC) parameters, and spontaneous preterm labor. By comparing these markers between preterm and term pregnancies, the study seeks to determine their potential predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Methods

This study evaluated inflammatory markers in 478 women with spontaneous preterm labor and a gestational age-matched control group. Blood samples were collected prior to the onset of labor to assess CBC parameters (white blood cells [WBC], red blood cells [RBC], neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet counts), as well as various inflammatory ratios, such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI). Neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight, APGAR scores, and NICU admission, were recorded.

Results

The preterm group showed significantly higher WBC, RBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts compared to the control group. MLR, MPR, and MPVLR were notably lower in the preterm group. However, these hematological parameters and inflammatory markers demonstrated limited predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes, with area under the curve (AUC) values hovering around 0.5.

Conclusions

WBC, RBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet counts, along with inflammatory markers such as MLR, MPR, and MPVLR differ between preterm and term groups and can be derived from a simple CBC test. However, their predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes remains limited.