Publication:

The ferritin-albumin ratio as a predictive biomarker for morbidity among obstetric patients admitted to a tertiary care center in Bundelkhand region

Background Maternal morbidity and mortality remain significant public health challenges, particularly in resource-constrained regions. Early identification of at-risk obstetric patients is crucial to prevent severe complications. The ferritin-albumin ratio (FAR) is a composite biomarker reflecting inflammatory burden and nutritional status.

Methods This prospective cohort study included 100 obstetric patients admitted to ICU over a 12-month period. Serum ferritin and albumin were measured at admission, and FAR was calculated. Clinical outcomes including organ dysfunction, shock, ARDS, DIC, AKI, and mortality were recorded. ROC curves and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess FAR’s predictive value.

Results FAR was significantly higher in patients with severe morbidity (median 11.0 versus 8.5; p<0.001). ROC analysis showed FAR had modest predictive accuracy (AUC 0.61). Multivariable analysis confirmed FAR as an independent predictor of morbidity (adjusted OR 2.09; p<0.001), along with SOFA score, maternal age, and sepsis.

Conclusions FAR is a simple, cost-effective biomarker that independently predicts severe maternal morbidity in critically ill obstetric patients. Integration into early risk stratification may improve maternal outcomes in low-resource settings.