Cord Blood Haematological Profiling Study: Predictive Markers of Neonatal Health Status at Birth in Anyigba, North Central Nigeria

Background: Neonatal mortality refers to the death of a live-born babies within the first 28 days of life remains a global public health challenge. Cord blood being the medium of communication, transmission of nutrients and wastes between mothers and fetus can reflect the health status of baby at birth if properly utilized. Owing to multiple factors involved in neonatal mortality, this study used umbilical cord blood haematological parameters to ascertain the health status of neonates at birth, the aim of this study is to use umbilical cord blood haematological parameters for management of neonates at birth.

Methodology: This research is a cross-sectional study carried out at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medical Laboratory Department, Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, North Central Nigeria between January, and December, 2020. Cord blood from 164 babies delivered in Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Grimard Catholic Hospital, and Amazing Grace Hospital between January and December, 2020 were analyzed for haematological parameters using Sysmex XP-300 automated haematology analyzer. The data obtained were expressed as mean ±standard deviation using SPSS statistical software, version 23.0. The indicator level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The results showed significant increase (p<0.05) of WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC in unstable babies compared to the stable babies, significant decrease (p<0.05) in the platelets, neutrophil and mixed among unstable babies compared to the stable babies, but no significant difference in PCV, haemoglobin and lymphocyte counts of both stable and unstable babies. The results also demonstrated 25 deaths per 1000 live newborn neonates within 48hour during the period of study.

Conclusion: This study shows that cord blood haematological parameters at birth can be used to ascertain the health status of neonates.