SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN MALAWIAN NEONATES

Studies of haematological parameters were performed on 366 (177 male a nd 189 female) normal Malawian neonates with mean +/- s.d. birthweight of 2.99 +/- 0.37 (range 2.1 - 4.0)kg using a Nova Cell Track, Model N ova CT11. Cord anaemia (Cord Hb < 13.5g dl(-1)) was detected in 100 (2 7.3%) of the neonates. It was also shown that although the male babies had a significantly higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin level (p < 0.00 1) than the females, there were no significant differences (p >0.05) i n the red cell, white cell and platelet indices between the two sexes, When the haematological parameters of the 266 (72.7%) non-anaemic (Co rd Hb >13.5g dl(-1)) neonates were analysed, the mean +/- s.d. values which may serve as local reference standards were: Hb 16.0+/- 1.7 (ran ge 13.5 - 21.3) g dl-(1), Hct 47.0 +/- 6.0 (range 36.5 - 67,5) percent , MCV 112.6 +/- 8.9 (range 72.2 - 131.0) fl, MCH 31.9 +/- 5.5 (range 2 4.4 - 48.5) pg, MCHC 33.5 +/- 2.8 (range 29.1 - 48.9) g dl(-1) reticul ocyte count 6.9 +/- 3.6 (range 1.2 - 25.0) percent, free erythrocyte p rotoporphyrin 3.3 +/- 0.9 (range 1.9 - 7.7) mgs ZPP gm(-1) Hb, platele t count 269.9 +/- 57.7 (range 134.0 - 454.0) x 10(9) 1(-1) and total l eucocyte count 12.3 +/- 4.8 (range 5.5 - 35.3) x 10(9) 1(-1). Further analysis of the differential wbc count disclosed normal levels of eosi nophils and neutrophils similar to those given in standard haematology textbooks for Caucasian neonates; thus strengthening the belief that eosinophilia and relative neutropenia previously reported in adult Afr icans is not of genetic origin, but rather an acquired phenomena.