Does Labor Affect Neonatal NRBC Count?

Background & Objective: Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) enter the circulation in response to hypoxia, but it remains unknown how physiological delivery without fetal distress can change the NRBC level. Accordingly, in the present study, we compared the mean NRBCs per white blood cell (WBC) in the umbilical cord of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) with cesarean section (C/S). To compare the mean NRBCs per WBC within umbilical cord in normal term newborns who were born by NVD with those delivered by C/S.   Methods: This case-control study was conducted for ۳۰۵ neonates in two different groups, i.e., NVD (case) and C/S (control) groups. The blood samples were taken from umbilical veins to evaluate fetal NRBCs and WBC count after recording their demographic characteristics. Finally, all data were assessed using SPSS ۱۶. Results: The average age of mothers was ۲۵.۷۹±۵.۳۵ years. The average Apgar score of neonates was ۸.۲۳±۰.۶. The average NRBC count was ۴.۶۳±۵.۲. There was no significant difference in maternal age, parity, neonatal weight, and NRBC count per ۱۰۰ WBCs between the two groups.   Conclusion: In the present study, the mean NRBC count within the umbilical cord of neonates born by elective C/S was less than those delivered by NVD, although this difference was not significant.

Keywords:

Cesarean section , Nucleated red blood cell count , Newborn , Vaginal delivery