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Hematologic values in healthy and small for gestational age newborns
M Maconi1, A Rolfo, S Cardaropoli
1Clinical Pathology Department, AO Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. mariacaterina.maconi@asmn.re.it
Laboratory Hematology : Official Publication of the International Society for Laboratory Hematology
|July 19, 2005
Summary
Establishing neonatal reference ranges for umbilical cord blood complete blood counts is crucial. This study provides updated reference values for appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns, highlighting differences between preterm and term infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Established normative data are essential for recognizing neonatal hematologic abnormalities.
- Existing reference values for neonates are often outdated, necessitating updated ranges.
- Neonatal medical units require localized reference ranges for accurate patient assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish comprehensive reference values for umbilical cord blood complete blood counts in healthy newborns.
- To compare these reference values between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates.
- To identify hematologic differences between term and preterm AGA newborns and assess SGA infants.
Main Methods:
- Automated blood cell counter analysis of umbilical cord blood samples.
- Inclusion of 142 healthy, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns.
- Inclusion of 58 small for gestational age (SGA) newborns (term and preterm).
Main Results:
- Umbilical cord blood complete blood count reference values were determined for AGA and SGA newborns.
- Term AGA newborns showed higher red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, with lower mean corpuscular volume compared to preterm AGA newborns.
- SGA newborns exhibited reduced platelet levels, consistent with existing literature.
Conclusions:
- The generated reference data are comparable to previously published findings.
- Preterm SGA infants demonstrate true growth restriction, while term SGA infants are likely small but otherwise healthy.
- Updated reference ranges are vital for accurate neonatal hematologic assessment and care.