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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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[Reference values for 2 well-defined populations: newborn infants and post-partum women]

G Letellier

    Clinical Biochemistry
    |August 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    New reference values for newborns and postpartum women show significant differences in 19 SMAC system parameters compared to older children and adults, highlighting distinct physiological states.

    Area of Science:

    • Clinical Biochemistry
    • Pediatric Medicine
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Context:

    • Establishing accurate reference ranges is crucial for interpreting clinical laboratory results.
    • Previous reference values may not adequately represent the unique physiological states of newborns and postpartum women.
    • The SMAC (Sequential Multiple Analyzer Computer) system is a widely used automated clinical chemistry analyzer.

    Purpose:

    • To determine and present reference values for 19 biochemical parameters in four-day-old newborns and postpartum women.
    • To compare these new reference values with those of established populations (1-3-year-old children and 20-39-year-old women).

    Summary:

    • Reference values for 19 parameters were measured in newborns and postpartum women using a SMAC system.
    • Newborns exhibited higher values for 8 parameters and lower values for 9 parameters compared to 1-3-year-old children.
    • Postpartum women showed higher values for 7 parameters and lower values for 6 parameters compared to 20-39-year-old women.

    Impact:

    • These findings underscore the necessity of distinct reference ranges for newborns and postpartum women for accurate clinical assessment.
    • The data provides essential updated information for clinical laboratories and healthcare providers managing these specific patient populations.
    • Highlights potential differences in metabolic and physiological processes between these groups and the general adult/pediatric populations.

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