Background: Leukocyte counts are frequently done investigation in new born babies especially when neonatal sepsis is suspected. About one third of newborn babies were born as preterm in India and neonatal sepsis is a important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal period.

Objective: This study was undertaken to establish the reference values for various leukocyte counts among term and preterm babies and to compare the values each other to find out any significant difference.

Materials and Methods: Umbilical cord blood samples were taken from 140 babies, 70 of them belongs to each group. Leukocyte counts were detected. The data obtained was analyzed with SPSS version 16.

Results and Conclusion: Present study revealed a statically significant decrease in TLC as gestational age increases. ANC had a direct relationship with gestational age, as gestational age increases ANC increases. ALC had an inverse relationship with gestational age, which decreases as gestational age advances. The normal range for TC and ANC were significantly different in both groups. The reference value obtained can be used as background data for early identification and management of neonatal sepsis.

Keywords: total leukocyte count, differential count, absolute neutrophil count. term, preterm.

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Ashraf.T.P

Additional Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, India

Mob: 9895324551, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.