A Comparative Study of Cord Blood Hematological Profile of Neonates Born to Mothers with and without Pregnancy - Induced Hypertension

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the haematological profile of cord of neonates born to mothers with and without PIH, and to evaluate short term clinical outcomes in the two groups. Methods: A prospective case control study was done on cord blood of 50 neonates born to mother with PIH (cases) and compared with 50 neonates born to normotensive mothers (controls) attending OPD/Labour room/Ward of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology SRMSIMS, Bareilly. 2 ml cord blood was collected from the placental end at the time of delivery and was analysed for haemoglobin, PCV, various red cell indices, nucleated RBC, reticulocyte count, total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count and platelet count. The cases and controls were followed up during their hospital stay for clinical outcome. Data was analysed using software IBM SPSS statistics version 20.0 and was compared using Chi- square test. Results: Platelet count was found to be significantly lower whereas mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte count, nucleated RBC, lymphocytes and monocytes were significantly increased in neonates born to mothers with PIH. There was significantly higher incidence of respiratory distress and NICU admission in neonates of mothers with PIH. Conclusion: It was concluded that there are significant differences in haematological profile of neonates born to mothers with and without PIH. A positive association was seen between PIH and neonatal thrombocytopenia which was in accordance with results of most studies. The relationship of mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte count and nucleated RBC in neonates of PIH mother ties well with most studies whereas in case of lymphocytes it was non-comparable with other studies. Clinical significance: Neonates of hypertensive mothers should be carefully evaluated and monitored in terms of haematological abnormalities. Following up these neonates may give us more insight in the progression of hematological derangements that can further guide management and establish whether there is a need to institute screening all neonates born to hypertensive mothers. We believe that a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach between the fields of maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology is necessary to weigh the maternal and fetal risks of prolonging the pregnancy versus the potential benefits of further fetal maturation across most gestational ages.