Hematological profile of Korean very low birth weight infants

Abstract

For very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, diagnostic and therapeutic decisions widely depend on hematological values. Although ethnic differences for hematologic parameters have been reported, few studies have been reported for Korean VLBW infants. This study aimed at defining the hematological reference values for medical research and clinical practice. Retrospectively we selected 149 infants confirmed as healthy at birth and had no medical conditions that may have affected the hematological profile. Hematological values obtained within the first 4 h after birth were classified into gestational age and we determined the influence of gender, mode of delivery, sampling site, 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores on these values. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) values increased, whereas the white blood cell (WBC) and platelets decreased as the gestational age increased. In relation to the mode of delivery and the 5-min Apgar score, WBC, neutrophil, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), RBC, Hb, Hct and the platelets differed selectively. No differences in any hematological values were observed in relation to gender, sampling site, and the 1-min Apgar score. This study should be useful as a guide to the reference range of these hematological values for Korean VLBW infants.

Cell population data in neonates: differences by age group and associations with perinatal factors

“…The MN-V-LY decreased as gestational age increased. The number of WBCs and the differential leukocyte count vary with gestational age [15][16][17][18][19], but we could find no reports concerning changes in WBC volume, conductivity, or light scatter with gestational age. We speculate that changes in fetal myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis with gestational age could be an explanation for these changes in WBC subpopulations [20,21].…”

Blood parameters of preterm neonates: postnatal evolution according to gestational age

“…The following blood parameters were recorded [with our newborn laboratory reference values]: erythrocyte count ([4.5–6.2] T/L), hemoglobin concentration ([16–20] g/dL), hematocrit ([50–60] %), mean corpuscular volume MCV ([95–110] fL), total leukocyte count ([7–26] G/L), differential leukocyte count, comprising neutrophil [1.5–28], eosinophil [0–0.4], basophil [0–0.1], lymphocyte and monocyte counts [0–1.5] (G/L), and platelet count ([150–400] G/L).…”

“…The characteristic changes in reference pediatric blood parameters during the first years of life have been extensively studied . With regard to term newborns, these physiological variations have been investigated at birth , during the first hours and first week of life, and up to 6 months of age . Physiological data concerning preterm neonates are more fragmentary, yet these infants are particularly likely to require transfusions or anti‐infective treatments that are modulated according to blood counts.…”

Haematological Profile of Preterm Neonates:An Experience of A Specialized Tertiary Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…As there are ethnic variations, as evidenced in previous studies. [16][17][18] Hence, we felt the importance to determine a reference value in neonates in respect of gestational age to create our own database.…”

“…16 In contrast, Bae et al showed that RBC, haemoglobin and hematocrit values increased, whereas the white blood cell and platelets decreased as the gestational age increased. 17 Arif et al observed that thrombocytopenia is a problem frequently encountered in the neonatal period especially in preterm neonates. 19 Similar observations were reported by Guida et al 20 Numerous physiological changes lead to a rapid change in normal haematological parameters during pregnancy, after birth and throughout the neonatal period.…”