MONOCYTE DISTRIBUTION WIDTH AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY INDICES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS AFTER CESAREAN SECTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Early detection of infection after cesarean section is complicated by overlapping physiological and inflammatory changes. Objective: To review the diagnostic and prognostic potential of monocyte distribution width (MDW) and systemic inflammatory indices, including NLR, PLR, MLR, and SII. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for publications through 2026. Diagnostic performance and obstetric physiological considerations were critically assessed. Results: NLR may help predict postoperative infections, while MDW shows promising diagnostic performance in sepsis and other infections. Performance varies across populations and methods. Evidence supporting their combined use after cesarean section remains insufficient. Conclusion: MDW and systemic inflammatory indices warrant prospective evaluation to determine their additional diagnostic value beyond routine clinical assessment and laboratory testing.