Increased delta neutrophil index in women with severe preeclampsia.

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM: The pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) is believed to be associated with a systemic inflammatory response, but few inflammatory markers are currently available to predict PE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) between normal and preeclamptic women. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with mild preeclampsia (mPE), 147 patients with severe preeclampsia (sPE), and 163 women with normal pregnancy were included in this study. Maternal laboratory values including DNI were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The mean DNI was significantly higher in the sPE group, but there was no significant difference between the normal pregnancy group and mPE. The DNI also showed positive correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, proteinuria during 24 hours, proteinuria in dipstick, and ominous symptoms. CONCLUSION: The serum DNI value was increased in women with severe preeclampsia compared to that in those with normal pregnancy or mild preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to evaluate application of the DNI value as a prognostic marker of preeclampsia.