Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated with Spontaneous Delivery
within 24 Hours in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of maternal
neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for spontaneous delivery within 24
hours in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Study Design and setting: Retrospective cohort study in a
single, university-affiliated tertiary medical center.
Population: Women with PPROM at <33+6 weeks’
gestation planning vaginal delivery. Exclusions included cases of labor
induction or cesarean delivery. Main outcome measure: Women
who delivered spontaneously within 24 hours from rupture of membrane
Methods: Maternal demographic and clinical data, including
age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, and mode of conception,
were collected. Women who delivered spontaneously within 24 hours of
membrane rupture were compared to those who did not via univariate and
multivariate Cox analyses. Results: Among 145,833
deliveries during the study period, 1,442 women (0.9%) presented with
PPROM. After exclusions, 249 women were included, with 115 (46.2%)
delivering spontaneously within 24 hours. Cox regression analysis
identified NLR >10 (HR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.42–5.7, p = 0.003)
and multiple gestation (HR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.57–13.45, p <
0.001) as independent risk factors for spontaneous delivery within 24
hours. Conclusion: An elevated maternal NLR is a promising
predictor of spontaneous delivery within 24 hours in PPROM cases. These
findings support the potential of NLR as a practical clinical tool for
anticipating imminent preterm delivery, aiding in management decisions
for this population. Funding: None.