Comparison of Risk for Early-onset Sepsis in Small-for-gestational-age Neonates and Appropriate-for-gestational-age Neonates Based on Lower Levels of White Blood Cell, Neutrophil, and Platelet Counts

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction and its postnatal equivalent, that is, small for gestational age (SGA) at birth, are known to be risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes.1 Like other organs, bone marrow is dependent on oxygen and nutritional supply and some reports suggest that SGA neonates are at an increased risk for lower levels of white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts during the first few days after birth.2–4 However, evidence is scarce and the clinical importance of these differences is unclear.