Usefulness of Umbilical Cord Nucleated RBC as a Prognostic Marker of Neonate Born to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Mother in Resource Limiting Settings

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension are multi-system disorders of the mother that affect the fetusbecause of utero-placental insufficiency. These neonates may also have a spectrum of hematological changes which may add to the existing morbidity in them. objectives: To correlate cord Nucleated red blood cells and neonatal outcome in Pregnancy induced hypertension.Materials and method: The study was conducted in the Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, Janakpuri, New Delhi. A total of 55 cases and 55 controls of newborns fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The mother’s antenatal records were examined to rule out the Pre-Existing maternal medical illness. History of drug intake and complianceof treatment was recorded. Results: Cord blood nucleated red blood cells was significantly raised inneonates born to PIH mothers (>13 NRBC/100 WBC) compared to normotensive mothers and also hadsignificantly higher incidence of Low birth weight, Hypoglycemia, Respiratory distress and Asphyxia.Conclusion: NRBC count can be used as a simple tool where expertise not available and accordingly can plan the interventions. It is a special boon in a rural care center, where advanced diagnostic modalities are unaffordable or inaccessible. Umbilical cord NRBC count it correlates well with neonatal outcome.