The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and its Connection with Maternal Age in Naturally Conceived Pregnancies: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Abstract

Aim: Maternal age is associated with perinatal outcomes, which include preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal mortality, increased cesarean rates, and maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal age on hematological parameters and systemic immune-inflammatory indices in pregnant women. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 400 pregnant women was conducted, divided into four age groups. Hematological parameters, systemic immune-inflammatory indices, and clinical outcomes were compared across these groups. Results: The mean neutrophil count and monocyte count increased with maternal age, significantly highest in the 40-49 age group (p<0.001, p=0.003). Age-associated inflammation was reflected by increased NLR, MLR, PLR, and SII in the advanced age groups (p<0.001). Positive correlations were found between age, BMI (r=0.301, p<0.001), and MLR (r=0.122, p=0.015). The prevalence of chronic diseases, drug usage, and complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes also significantly increased with age (p<0.001). Conclusion: This analysis reveals age-related alterations in immune-inflammatory indices and clinical outcomes in pregnancy and provides insights for better management and monitoring of different age groups during pregnancy, particularly those at advanced maternal age.

Keywords

• Maternal age
• systemic immune-inflammatory indices
• pregnancy outcomes

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