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Acute funisitis is associated with distinct changes in fetal hematologic profile
Eun Na Kim1, Chong Jai Kim, Jeong Woo Park
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea .
Objective:
Acute funisitis is a histologic hallmark of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome. This study was conducted to examine the hematologic profiles of preterm newborns with funisitis.
Methods:
The hematologic profiles of umbilical cord blood obtained at birth were compared according to the presence or absence of acute funisitis in 197 preterm neonates (gestational age before 34 weeks) born to mothers with preterm labor with intact membranes or premature rupture of membranes.
Results:
(1) Funisitis was identified in 22.3% (44/197) of patients; (2) newborns with funisitis had higher median leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte counts (p < 0.005 for each), higher rate of neutrophilia (p < 0.05), higher proportion of neutrophils among leukocytes and lower proportion of lymphocytes among leukocytes than those without funisitis (p < 0.01 for each); (3) newborns with funisitis had a significantly lower median RBC count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit than those without funisitis (p < 0.05 for each); (4) there was no significant difference in the median lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, NRBC and platelet counts between the two groups (p > 0.1 for each).
Conclusions:
The hematologic profiles of preterm newborns with funisitis are characterized by increased total white blood cell, neutrophil, and monocyte counts and decreased RBC count and hemoglobin concentration.
Insights
Preterm newborns with funisitis show elevated white blood cell counts and reduced red blood cell counts. This indicates significant hematologic changes in neonates experiencing the fetal inflammatory response syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Acute funisitis is a key indicator of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome.
- Understanding its impact on neonatal hematology is crucial for preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematologic profiles of preterm newborns diagnosed with funisitis.
- To compare blood cell counts in neonates with and without funisitis.
Main Methods:
- Umbilical cord blood samples from 197 preterm neonates (before 34 weeks gestation) were analyzed.
- Samples were categorized based on the presence or absence of acute funisitis.
- Hematologic parameters including leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and red blood cell counts were compared.
Main Results:
- Funisitis was present in 22.3% of neonates.
- Newborns with funisitis exhibited higher leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts.
- These infants also showed lower red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.
Conclusions:
- Preterm neonates with funisitis present with distinct hematologic profiles.
- Characterized by elevated white blood cell counts and diminished red blood cell parameters.
- These findings highlight the systemic inflammatory impact of funisitis.
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