Publication:

Diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in comparison with liver function tests for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Background In this study, we aimed to find diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in comparison with liver function tests for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and adverse fetal-maternal outcomes.

Methods NLR and aminotransferase (AST/ALT) levels in the blood samples of pregnant women with complaint of pruritus. 90 women with elevated transaminase were taken as cases and same number of women with normal aminotransferase levels taken as control. All were examined in this prospective case-control study.

Results Not only was the mean NLR elevated in the pregnant women with cholestasis when compared to the controls, but it also predicted the severity of the cholestasis. The correlation between transaminase levels and NLR was significant.

Conclusions Although TBA is still the diagnostic standard, NLR can be used as an initial screening tool due to its high specificity.