[The predictive value of normal-range NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) in SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy]

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy means a special challenge. Objective: To investigate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in pregnant patients with COVID–19 in terms of disease outcome. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, in which the laboratory values of 123 patients undergoing treatment at Semmelweis University due to COVID–19 resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed. All examined patients were pregnant at the time of their illness, with 96 cases showing moderate disease progression and the remaining 27 cases exhibiting severe progression, requiring mechanical ventilation support. The highest NLR values measured on the day of hospital admission and during hospital stay were compared between these two groups. Results: Based on our statistical findings, there was a significant difference between the two homogeneously aged populations in both the initial and peak NLR values. In moderate cases, both the initial and peak NLR values were significantly lower compared to severe cases. Even for NLR values within the normal range measured on the first day of hospitalization, there was a significant difference: 29 patients in the moderate group had NLR values within the normal range, while in the severe group, only 1 patient did. In the moderate group, the NLR remained physiological in 20 patients throughout, whereas this was not the case for any patient in the severe group. Conclusion: Based on our results, elevated NLR values can be important predictive markers for severe COVID–19 infection during pregnancy. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(27): 1039–1043.