The predictive value of hemogram parameters for early preterm delivery in pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of hemogram parameters in early preterm delivery (32 gestational weeks and below) among pregnant women who have undergone cervical cerclage, based on cervical changes determined before the cerclage procedure.

Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 161 patients underwent cervical cerclage. The participants were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=92) consisted of pregnant women who underwent prophylactic cerclage. Group 2 (n=31) included those with cervical shortening (<5 mm) and/or dilation (≤3 cm). Group 3 (n=38) comprised pregnant women with cervical dilation >3 cm. Each group was further divided based on delivery weeks, with a cutoff at 32 weeks. Demographic parameters and laboratory parameters were assessed.

In Group 1, all hemogram parameters showed no significant differences between deliveries below and above 32 weeks. In Group 2, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value before cerclage was higher in the early preterm delivery group (p=0.002), with a cutoff value of 4.75 in receiver operating characteristic analysis. In Group 3, the white blood cell value before cerclage was higher in the early preterm delivery group (p=0.005), with a cutoff value of 13.05×103/μL in receiver operating characteristic analysis.

The use of hemogram parameters to predict early preterm delivery in pregnant women undergoing prophylactic cerclage is not appropriate. However, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value can predict early preterm delivery when cervical dilation is 3 cm or less and/or cervical shortening is 5 mm or less. When cervical dilation exceeds 3 cm, the white blood cell value is more appropriate for predicting early preterm delivery.