Title: Significance of Nucleated RBC Count in Term Neonates with Asphyxia Neonatorum
Authors: S.Sonia Rosalind Martina, S.Saravanan, M.Venkatadesikalu
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i5.38
Abstract
Objective: To study the correlation of nucleated red blood cell (NRBC)/100 white blood cell (WBC) count with perinatal asphyxia in terms of severity and short term outcome.
Material and Methods: A prospective, comparative case-control study was undertaken at RMMCH Chidambaram from January 2015 to July 2016, which included a total of 100 neonates with 50 asphyxiated babies (case group) and 50 normal babies (control group). The venous blood was collected immediately after delivery for measurement of NRBC/100 WBC. Early neonatal outcome of both groups was also evaluated in relation to the NRBC/100 WBC count. Statistical analysis was performed.
Results: The mean NRBC/100 WBC count was 16.76±11.46 in case group and in control group 3.78±2.79. Also a statistically significant correlation existed between severity of asphyxia (stage of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE]), poor outcome and higher number of NRBC/100 WBC count.
Conclusion: It is an inexpensive and easily available procedure to evaluate perinatal asphyxia, especially in a resource poor country, where blood gas analysis facilities are not available in majority of places. Also, it is a good predictor of short-term outcome of asphyxiated babies.
Keywords: Cord blood, nucleated red blood cells, perinatal asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.References
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