Hematologic study of newborn umbilical cord blood

Hematological parameters in newborn umbilical cord blood samples (n = 476), collected at the Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, were studied . They were divided into 3 groups: (I) full term newborns with weight accor ding to gestational age; II) low weight and normal gestational age; (III) p reterm newborns. The results were as follows: group (I) Hb: 15.5 +/- 1.1 g/ dl; RBC: 4.66 +/- 0.33 x 10(12)/i; PCV: 49 +/- 4.3%, MCV 105.1 +/- 5.3 ii; MHC: 33.2 +/- 1.2 pg. Decreased Hb concentration (p < 0.05) and increased M CV (p < 0.01) were observed in preterm newborns in comparison with normal o nes, and a slight PCV increase and RBC values in low weight newborns compar ed to the control group (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte morphology was normal as we ll as reticulocyte values in these samples. The electrophoretic pattern was (FA) with the following Hb F values 66.3 +/- 6.8%, and Hb A, 0.45 +/- 0.3% in group (I), with a significant increase of Hb F in 30-35 weeks preterm n ewborns. Group (I) values are considered as normal hematological parameters in newborns in our country, whereas MCV < 94.7 fl is considered as a neona tal microcytosis marker, consequently an alert to investigate alpha-thalass emia. There was no influence on Hb concentration due to maternal smoking ha bit. The present work could be of relevance for our region since up to the present time there are no similar records.