Hematologic study of newborn umbilical cord blood

Hematological parameters in newborn umbilical cord blood samples (n = 476), collected at the Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, were studied. They were divided into 3 groups: (I) full term newborns with weight according to gestational age; (II) low weight and normal gestational age; (III) preterm newborns. The results were as follows: group (I) Hb: 15.5 +/- 1.1 g/dl; RBC; 4.66 +/- 0.33 x 10(12)/l; PCV: 49% +/- 4.3%, MCV 105.1 +/- 5.3 fl; MHC: 33.2 +/- 1.2 pg. Decreased Hb concentration (p < 0.05) and increased MCV (p < 0.01) were observed in preterm newborns in comparison with normal ones, and a slight PCV increase and RBC values in low weight newborns compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte morphology was normal as well as reticulocyte values in these samples. The electrophoretic pattern was (FA) with the following Hb F values 66.3 +/- 6.8%, and Hb A2 0.45 +/- 0.3% in group (I), with a significant increase of Hb F in 30-35 weeks preterm newborns. Group (I) values are considered as normal hematological parameters in newborns in our country, whereas MCV < 94.7 fl is considered as a neonatal microcytosis marker, consequently an alert to investigate alpha-thalassemia. There was no influence on Hb concentration due to maternal smoking habit. The present work could be of relevance for our region since up to the present time there are no similar records.