Nucleated red blood cells in cord blood of singleton, term neonates and the risk factors affecting their count

This study aims to establish normal values for nucleated red blood cells [NRBCs] in healthy, term, singleton neonates and to evaluate the association between some medical and obstetrical conditions, known to be associated with chronic hypoxia, and NRBC count elevation. We prospectively collected umbilical cord blood from 349 live bom, term, singletons, Delivered at our department. Cord blood was analyzed for nucleated RBC. We reviewed the medical record for maternal data and neonatal outcomes of gestations of>. 37weeks duration. The cases were divided into two main groups on the basis of the presence or absence of complicated pregnancies. The mean value for NRBCs per 100 WBCs in control group [those with uncomplicated pregnancies] was 2.4, the SD was 2.1, and the range was 0 to 10. There was significant elevation of NRBCs in cases of small for gestational age. And in cases complicated by maternal diabetes or pre-eclampsia [p< 0.05]. The value did not vary by maternal smoking. Apgar score showed trend toward inverse proportionality to the number of NRBCs. The NRBCs counts in the healthy, term neonates were in the range of 0-10. Elevated NRBC count was associated with states of relative hypoxia such as intrauterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes andpreeclampsia. Elevated NRBC count were also associated with lower Apgar scores

Assessment of fetal oxygenation in grade III placental calcification

To determine whether advanced placental calcification is associated with impaired placental function by assessment of different grades of placental calcification in relation to cord blood NRBCs count, a marker for chronic hypoxia. Nucleated Red Blood Cells [NRBCs] from cord blood of 200 singleton term non -asphyxiated neonates were compared with cord blood NRBCs of 51 term singletons proved to have 2ed and 3ed Grade placental calcification by ultrasound examination Foetal weight and Apgar score were also assessed in different groups. Grade III placental calcification [n=30] was not associated with a significant difference in NRBC counts compared to group one [n=200]: mean 2.45.S.D.2.4I and mean 2.40, SD 2.12 respectively [P> 0.8]. These result illustrated that advanced grades of placental calcification dose not Jeopardize fetal oxygenation, as evidenced by the non significant finding of NRBC counts in different groups, and the non Significant difference in fetal out come by comparing fetal weigh and Apgar scores for different groups