Author/Authors :
Mamoury, G.H Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad , Hamedy, A.B Department of Pediatrics, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad , Akhlaghi, F Department of Pediatrics, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad
Abstract :
Background: Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) have been
used routinely in the diagnosis of neonatal anemia and polycythemia.
Objective: To measure the cord blood Hb and Hct and to determine
their association with maternal Hb and Hct.
Methods: 170 healthy neonates born through normal vaginal delivery
with gestation age of 37-42 wks and birth weight of 2.5-4 kg,
and their mothers were included in this cross-sectional study. Cord
blood Hb and Hct of these infants and their mothers were measured
by an electronic Coulter counter.
Results: We studied 97 male and 73 female neonates. The mean
cord blood Hb was 15.8 (range: 11-21.4) g/dl, and Hct was 48%
(range: 34%-63%). The mean±SD cord Hb of males (16.0±1.4 g/dl)
was significantly (p<0.05) more than that of females (15.3±1.8 g/dl).
Polycythemia (Hct>63%) was not found in any infants. However,
11.7% of newborns had an Hb<14 g/dl. Mean Hb of mothers was
12.3 g/dl. 18% of mothers had an Hb<11 g/dl. No significant correlation
could be found between cord Hb and parity, birth weight and
maternal age. No association could be found between cord blood
and maternal Hb. Nevertheless, anemic neonates were born more
frequently to mothers with low Hb.
Conclusion: We found that mean Hb in our newborns was less than
previously reported values. Furthermore, we could find no correlation
between cord and maternal Hb.
