The effect of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on predicting rupture risk in tubal ectopic pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Consecutive measurements of ?-hCG levels and sonographic evaluation of adnexae are critical for choosing the optimal management in ampullar tubal ectopic pregnancies (EP). To select suitable patients for conservative approach, there is a need for an affordable and reliable marker for determining rupture risk. Evaluation of systemic inflammatory markers in combination with serum ?-hCG levels and ultrasound might help to decide the appropriate treatment option. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in determining the rupture risk in ampullar tubal EPs and to compare with intraoperative findings. Methods: A total of 142 patients who underwent surgery for tubal EP were included. Seventy-two patients were in the intraoperatively diagnosed tubal rupture group and 70 patients without rupture findings were included in the control group. Both groups were compared for inflammation markers, ?-hCG levels, and sonographic findings. Results: Both NLR and PLR levels were found to be significantly higher in the tubal rupture group (4.62 ± 3.13 vs. 2.67 ± 1.43, 162.94 ± 63.61 vs. 115.84 ± 41.15, p < 0.01, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed for the diagnostic performance of tubal diameter measurement, ?-hCG, NLR, and PLR levels were significantly associated with histopathologically confirmed tubal rupture (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Systemic inflammatory markers are feasible and affordable tools for predicting tubal rupture risk in ampullar EPs and might be useful for determining surgery decision especially in low resource settings. © 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.