Exploring the Predictive Potential of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index and Hematologic Markers in Preterm Labor Risk Assessment

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential association between the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII) and preterm labor, given the growing interest in inflammatory biomarkers as possible predictors of pregnancy outcomes. Methods:Conducted as a retrospective observational study at University of Health Sciences Trkiye, Etlik Zbeyde Hanm Women`s Health and Research Hospital, the study included 200 participants, split equally between those with preterm labor and a control group with term births.The study focused on singleton pregnancies, with the preterm group having gestational ages between 24 and 36+6 weeks; and the control group at 37 weeks or beyond.Hematological data, including SII, along with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), were collected and compared across groups.Results: Median SII values showed no significant differences between the preterm and control groups (727 vs. 740, p=0.642).Other inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, and MLR) also displayed similar values in both groups.Notably, the preterm group exhibited lower gestational ages and birth weights compared to the control group (p<0.001).Cesarean delivery rates were significantly elevated in the preterm group (79%) relative to the control group (43%, p<0.001). Conclusion:Although SII levels did not significantly differ between preterm and term births, the findings underscore the complex role of inflammation in preterm labor.Further research utilizing combined biomarker models may provide more precise risk assessment for preterm birth.