ABSTRACT
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