Effect of maternal preeclampsia on neonatal red cell parameters

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the changes in haematological parameters in neonates using cord blood from preeclamptic and from normal pregnancies. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study based on Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) samples taken from 40 preeclamptic and 40 normal pregnancies. 2 ml cord blood was collected immediately after delivery and transferred into an EDTA vial for CBC analysis and reticulocyte count was done using brilliant cresyl blue. The data entry and analysis was done on Microsoft Office Excel 2007. In all statistical analysis a p value<0.05 was considered significant. Results: RBC, Reticulocyte count, Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI) were found to be higher in neonatal cord blood from preeclamptic females than those from normal pregnancies. Haemoglobin and Haematocrit were found to be lower in neonatal cord blood from preeclamptic pregnancies. Conclusion: Newborns of preeclamptic mothers should be carefully monitored in terms of hematologic abnormalities. Thus, suspecting a deranged haematological profile early in the course of disease will be of great help in the preemptive management strategies that have proven to be playing a crucial role time and again in reducing the morbidities and mortalities associated with Preeclampsia.