Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

09:46
Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells
Published on: December 27, 2017
Hemogram in normal newborn babies with special reference to platelet count
W Sasanakul1, S Singalavanija, P Hathirat
1Research Center, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
This study tracked newborn hemograms, finding that hemoglobin and hematocrit levels decrease after birth. White blood cell and platelet counts also change significantly in the first month of life.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Establishing reference ranges for neonatal blood counts is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Normal hematological parameters in newborns undergo rapid changes in the first month of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for complete blood counts in healthy newborns.
- To document the dynamic changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, white blood cells, and platelets during the first 30 days of life.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 318 healthy full-term newborns.
- Blood samples analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, white blood cell count, and platelet count.
- Data collected from one hour to 30 days of age.
Main Results:
- Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte counts were highest in the first 72 hours and decreased thereafter.
- White blood cell counts were elevated at 12-24 hours and gradually decreased.
- Platelet counts peaked between 7-14 days and showed variation within the first 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal hemogram values differ significantly from adult values and change rapidly in the first month.
- Platelet counts below 150 x 10(3)/microliters in newborns should be considered thrombocytopenia.
- These findings provide essential reference data for neonatal hematological assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Hematopoiesis
The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...
Erythropoiesis
Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
Composition of Blood
The blood in our bodies comprises three major components: blood plasma, formed elements, and the extracellular matrix. Blood plasma is a yellowish fluid that constitutes 55% of the total blood volume. It is primarily made up of water and essential substances such as electrolytes and proteins. Blood plasma serves as a medium for transporting blood cells and also contains nutrients, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and gases.
Formed elements constitute the remaining 45% of the blood volume. These...
Formed elements constitute the remaining 45% of the blood volume. These...
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Hematopoiesis, or blood cell production, is a vital biological process that begins early in embryonic development and continues throughout life. This process generates the various types of cells found in blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...

