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Objective There is a role of inflammatory processes on the pathophysiology of rheumatic heart valve disease (RHVD). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an inflammatory marker is associated with some clinical situations in pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive role of NLR in pregnant women with NLR. Materials and Methods First-trimester pregnant women, who were referred to cardiology outpatient clinic and diagnosed with RHVD (n=24) were enrolled in this study and age-matched healthy pregnant women (n=24) were taken as control groups. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and NLR. The role of NLO in predicting RKKH has been examined. Results Groups were similar in terms of demographic features. NLR was higher in pregnant women with RHVD than the control group (3.68 ±1.74 vs. 2.68±1.14, p=0.00239). NLR (OR: 0,597, p= 0,037, 95% CI: 0,343-0,921) and neutrophil count (OR: 0,609, p= 0.013, 95% CI: 0,390-0,863) were possible independent predictors of RHVD. Conclusion NLR was significantly higher among pregnant women with RHVD. As it is not possible to provide routine cardiac check-up to all pregnant women; markers for specific risk groups need to be defined to reduce the risks associated with heart diseases during pregnancy. According to these findings, pregnant women with high NLR may need extra attention in terms of CVD like RHVD. Further studies with large patient groups are needed to define the predictive value of NLR. |
