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Circulating Nucleated Red Blood Cell Counts at Birth Among Preterm Neonates Who Subsequently Developed Retinopathy of
Hassan Boskabadi1, Nasser Shoeibi2, Nafiseh Pourbadakhshan1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Current Eye Research
|August 11, 2025
Summary
Elevated nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts in preterm infants at birth may predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This finding aids in identifying infants at higher risk for this serious eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness.
- Prematurity and oxygen therapy are known risk factors for ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts at birth and the development of ROP in preterm neonates.
- To compare NRBC levels in preterm infants with and without ROP.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 143 preterm neonates (birth weight <1500g and/or gestational age <32 weeks).
- Umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed for NRBC counts per 100 white blood cells.
- Neonatal and maternal characteristics, along with ophthalmologic evaluations for ROP, were recorded.
Main Results:
- A total of 102 neonates (71.3%) developed ROP, while 41 (28.7%) did not.
- Significant differences were found in NRBC percentage (p=0.009) and fifth-minute Apgar scores (p=0.002) between the ROP and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated umbilical cord NRBC counts may serve as a predictive marker for ROP.
- NRBC counts, in conjunction with other clinical factors, could help predict ROP development and severity.
