Utilization of platelet count in prediction of post-embolization syndrome after uterine artery embolization.

Objective: To analyze the predictive value of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), platelets to lymphocytes ratio (PLR) in identifying the occurrence of post-embolization syndrome (PES) after uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a single tertiary care center located in New York City during period of November 2014 - December 2018, for patients who underwent UAE. PES was defined as the occurrence of pelvic pain, nausea or fever within one week after the procedure.

Results: We enrolled 62 patients: 12 of them had PES and 50 served as controls. Platelets were statistically significantly higher in patients with PES (p=0.036). Specifically, a platelet count greater than 336×10/uL was identified as cut-off with a specificity of 91.8 %, a sensitivity of 33.3 %, a positive predictive value of 46 % and a negative predictive value of 85 %. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.721 (CI 0.536-0.907).

Conclusion: Patients with a preprocedural platelet count less than 336×10/uL were less likely to have PES. If confirmed by larger studies, the platelet count could be incorporated into patient counseling and preoperative algorithms to identify the ideal UAE candidates.