Nucleated red blood cells in growth-restricted fetuses: Associations with short-term neonatal outcome

Objective: To determine the utility of the neonatal nucleated red blood cel l (NRBC) count as an independent predictor of short-term perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses. Methods: Hospital charts of neonates with a d ischarge diagnosis indicating a birth weight <10th percentile were reviewed for perinatal outcome. We studied all eligible neonates who had a complete blood count on the first day of life. After multiple gestations, anomalous fetuses and diabetic pregnancies were excluded; 73 neonates comprised the study group. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, simple and stepwise regre ssion. Results: Elevated NRBC counts were significantly associated with ces arean section for non-reassuring fetal status, neonatal intensive care unit admission and duration of neonatal intensive care unit stay, respiratory d istress and intubation, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, intraventricu lar hemorrhage and neonatal death. Stepwise regression analysis including g estational age at birth, birth weight and NRBC count demonstrated that in g rowth-restricted fetuses, NRBC count was the strongest predictor of neonata l intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal respiratory distress and neonatal d eath. Conclusion: An elevated NRBC count independently predicts adverse per inatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger A G, Basel.