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Leukocytosis in labor: what are its implications?
P Molberg1, C Johnson, T S Brown
1Cox Family Practice Residency, Lester E. Cox Medical Centers, Springfield, Missouri 65802.
Family Practice Research Journal
|September 1, 1994
Summary
A laboring patient's white blood cell count (WBC) does not predict postpartum complications. This study found no significant difference in WBC levels between mothers with and without postpartum morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Clinical Pathology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Postpartum morbidity poses risks to mothers and newborns.
- Predictive markers for postpartum complications are crucial for timely intervention.
- Peripheral white blood count (WBC) is a common hematological parameter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of peripheral white blood count (WBC) during labor as a predictor of postpartum morbidity.
- To determine if elevated WBC levels can identify patients at higher risk for complications after delivery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 309 consecutive obstetrical deliveries.
- Analysis of maternal and neonatal postpartum morbidity data.
- Comparison of antepartum WBC between morbid and non-morbid groups using analysis of means.
Main Results:
- The average WBC in laboring patients was 12,450 (range: 4,400-29,100).
- No significant difference in mean WBC was observed between patients with postpartum complications (12,900) and those without (12,300; p = 0.449).
Conclusions:
- An elevated WBC upon admission to the labor ward is not a reliable predictor of postpartum complications.
- Peripheral WBC count during labor does not aid in identifying mothers or newborns at risk for postpartum morbidity.