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Published on: August 24, 2011
Determination of reference ranges for full blood count parameters in neonatal cord plasma in Hilla, Babil, Iraq
Jasim M Al-Marzoki1, Zainab W Al-Maaroof, Ali H Kadhum
1Department of Pediatrics, Babylon Medical College, Hilla, Iraq.
Insights
This study established local reference ranges for neonatal cord plasma in Iraq, finding most hematological parameters within normal limits. Results highlight the need for larger studies to confirm Iraqi neonatal reference values.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Individual health varies by age, time, and location, necessitating reference data for comparisons.
- Establishing reference ranges for healthy newborns is crucial for interpreting complete blood count (CBC) parameters.
- Local reference values are essential for accurate clinical assessment of neonatal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine local reference ranges for full blood count parameters in neonatal cord plasma.
- To provide essential hematological data for healthy term newborns in Hilla, Babil, Iraq.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 220 mothers and neonates (February 2011-January 2012).
- Inclusion criteria: maternal age 15-45, uneventful pregnancy, hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL; neonatal term (37-42 weeks), normal birth weight.
- Cord blood collected from umbilical vein, plasma analyzed for CBC parameters using standard Coulter methods; differential leukocyte count performed manually.
Main Results:
- Mean neonatal hemoglobin: 13.88 ± 1.34 g/dL; White cell count: 10.12 ± 2.8 × 10^9/L; Platelet count: 267.63 ± 60.62 × 10^9/L.
- No significant sex-based differences in red cell, white cell, or platelet counts, except for neutrophil count.
- Observed lower hemoglobin, white cell, and red cell levels compared to some international studies; platelet count showed mixed agreement.
Conclusions:
- Most hematological parameters fell within established reference ranges.
- Findings underscore the need for validation with larger sample sizes and broader geographical representation within Iraq.
- Further research is recommended to establish definitive Iraqi neonatal hematological reference values.
Background:
The health of an individual is known to vary in different countries, in the same country at different times, and in the same individuals at different ages. This means that the condition of individuals must be related to or compared with reference data. Determination of a reference range for the healthy term newborn is clinically important in terms of various complete blood count parameters. The purpose of this study was to establish a local reference range for full blood count parameters in neonatal cord plasma in Hilla, Babil, Iraq.
Methods:
A total of 220 mothers and their neonates were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from February 2011 to January 2012. Maternal inclusion criteria were age 15-45 years, an uneventful pregnancy, and hemoglobin ≥ 10 g. Neonatal inclusion criteria were full term (37-42 weeks) and normal birth weight. The umbilical cord was immediately clamped after delivery of the baby; 3 mL of cord blood was then taken from the umbilical vein and collected in a tube containing ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid, its plasma was analyzed for full blood count parameters by standard Coulter gram, and the differential leukocyte count was done manually.
Results:
Mean neonatal hemoglobin was 13.88 ± 1.34 (range 11-17.3) g/dL and mean white cell count was 10.12 ± 2.8 (range 3.1-21.6) × 109/L. Mean platelet count was 267.63 ± 60.62 (range 152-472) × 109/L. No significant differences in red cell, white cell, or platelet counts were found between males and females, except for neutrophil count. The current study shows lower levels of hemoglobin, white cells, and red cells compared with other studies, and there is agreement with some studies and disagreement with others concerning platelet count.
Conclusion:
Most results in the current study were within the reference range. The hematological reference values for Iraqi neonatal cord plasma need to be confirmed by larger numbers of blood samples and by collecting samples from different areas in Iraq.
