Pajouhan Scientific Journal, Winter, In Press
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Ethics code: IR.MUMS.MEDICAL.REC.1399.702
1- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2- Department of Midwifery, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran ,maryamzakerihamidi@yahoo.co.nz
2- Department of Midwifery, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran ,
Abstract: (1192 Views)
Background and Objectives: Abnormal pregnancy has a negative impact on the condition of the fetus and the newborn. A significant increase in the fetal nucleated red blood cell count (NRBC/100 white blood cells [WBCs]) caused by pregnancy complications is associated with pathological conditions in newborns. This study aimed to compare the number of NRBC/100 WBC and neonatal outcomes in two groups of mothers with pregnancy complications and healthy mothers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the number of NRBC/100 WBC of 651 newborns in two groups of mothers with pregnancy complications (case group) and healthy mothers (control group) who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during 2021-2025 were examined and compared. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, which included infant characteristics (gestational age at birth, first-minute Apgar score, fifth-minute Apgar score, weight, asphyxia, sepsis, short-term prognosis, outcomes), maternal characteristics (age, number of deliveries, type of delivery), and infant laboratory characteristics (acid-base status of the umbilical cord blood, NRBC/100 WBC count).
Results: Maternal age, number of deliveries, and NRBC values were higher in the group of infants whose mothers were in the case group, and gestational age, first and fifth minute Apgar scores, and infant weight were lower in the case group. The mean NRBC/100 WBC count in infants born following abnormal pregnancies was three times higher than in those from normal pregnancies (Cohen's d = −1.141, 95% CI: −1.521 to −0.875, P < 0.001). The incidence of cesarean section, prematurity, asphyxia, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, and long-term adverse outcomes was higher in infants born to abnormal pregnancies compared to infants born to normal pregnancies.
Conclusion: The mean NRBC was three times higher in infants born to mothers with abnormal pregnancies than in those born to mothers with normal pregnancies. Adverse neonatal outcomes were also increased in this group. Therefore, NRBC measurement in infants of mothers with the disease can be used as an accessible and convenient tool to diagnose adverse neonatal outcomes. Early detection and appropriate treatment based on this measure can contribute to improving the health of newborns.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the number of NRBC/100 WBC of 651 newborns in two groups of mothers with pregnancy complications (case group) and healthy mothers (control group) who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during 2021-2025 were examined and compared. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, which included infant characteristics (gestational age at birth, first-minute Apgar score, fifth-minute Apgar score, weight, asphyxia, sepsis, short-term prognosis, outcomes), maternal characteristics (age, number of deliveries, type of delivery), and infant laboratory characteristics (acid-base status of the umbilical cord blood, NRBC/100 WBC count).
Results: Maternal age, number of deliveries, and NRBC values were higher in the group of infants whose mothers were in the case group, and gestational age, first and fifth minute Apgar scores, and infant weight were lower in the case group. The mean NRBC/100 WBC count in infants born following abnormal pregnancies was three times higher than in those from normal pregnancies (Cohen's d = −1.141, 95% CI: −1.521 to −0.875, P < 0.001). The incidence of cesarean section, prematurity, asphyxia, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, and long-term adverse outcomes was higher in infants born to abnormal pregnancies compared to infants born to normal pregnancies.
Conclusion: The mean NRBC was three times higher in infants born to mothers with abnormal pregnancies than in those born to mothers with normal pregnancies. Adverse neonatal outcomes were also increased in this group. Therefore, NRBC measurement in infants of mothers with the disease can be used as an accessible and convenient tool to diagnose adverse neonatal outcomes. Early detection and appropriate treatment based on this measure can contribute to improving the health of newborns.
Keywords: Infants, Maternal diseases, Mothers, Neonatal outcomes, Nucleated red blood cell count (NRBC)/100 white blood cell (WBC), Pregnancy
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Medicine & Clinical Sciences
Received: 2025/09/21 | Accepted: 2025/12/6
Received: 2025/09/21 | Accepted: 2025/12/6
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