Value of nucleated red blood cells in predicting severity and outcome of perinatal asphyxia

The objective of the study was to assess nucleated red blood cell counts in cord blood in a group of asphyxiated infants, and to determine its predictive value for short-term outcome. A prospective case control study was undertaken on cord blood samples collected from fifty six term neonates with perinatal asphyxia and an equal number of normal appropriately matched controls for cord blood pH and nucleated RBC counts. Babies were followed up in nursery till discharge. Statistical analysis employed were ANOVA test, logistic and linear regression analysis. There was a significant increase in the number of nucleated red blood cells in cases as compared to controls. Low Apgar, cord blood pH and neonatal outcome correlated well with nucleated RBC counts. Nucleated red blood cell count at birth is a useful predictor of severity and short-term outcome of perinatal asphyxia.