Correlation between nucleated red blood cell count and perinatal asphyxia in neonates

Abstract

To explore the correlation between nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count and perinatal asphyxia in neonates.Full-term newborns born from May 2011 to November 2012 were recruited and divided into perinatal asphyxia (n=40) and normal (n=30) groups.Apgar score was recorded immediately at delivery.The umbilical arterial blood was also collected into anticoagulant-treated tube and NRBC was counted by Japan OlympusCX41 biological microscope.NRBC count for perinatal asphyxia group [(10.70±2.61)/100 WBC] was significant higher than that for normal group [(2.67±0.35)/100 WBC]. A statistically significant negative correlation existed between NRBC and umbilical arterial blood pH, Apgar score at 1 min, BE value (r=-0.802, P<0.05; r=-0.639, P<0.05; r=-0.566, P<0.05). Associated with perinatal asphyxia in neonates, NRBC may be used as a simple index for assessing the severity of neonatal perinatal asphyxia. Key words: Asphyxia neonatorum; Erythrocyte count