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Haematological Indices in Healthy Appropriate For-Gestational-Age (AGA) Pre Term Babies
Abstract
Aim: To determine the pattern of change of red blood cell in appropriate-for gestational-age(AGA) pre-term babies in the first 12 weeks of life.
Patient and Methods: All consecutive healthy pre-term new born babies delivered at UNTH and admitted into the hospital NBSCU were included. Serial haematological determinations were carried out at birth -24 hours, 48-72 hours, 1week, 3weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
Results: The average value of hemoglobin and hematocrit at birth were 150g/L and 0.46L/L respectively. These values fell progressively to 68g/Land 0.26L/L at 6 weeks of age, with a marginal increase to 89g/Land 0.27L/L respectively at 12 weeks. At birth, the reticulocyte count was 2.2%and at 12 weeks it was 1.3%.
Conclusion: In the first week of life, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels of less than120g/L and 0.3L/L respectively should be considered as anemia. This should be investigated and treated appropriately.
Key words: Healthy-preterm-AGA-baby; Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit.
[Jnl of College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 9-12]
Patient and Methods: All consecutive healthy pre-term new born babies delivered at UNTH and admitted into the hospital NBSCU were included. Serial haematological determinations were carried out at birth -24 hours, 48-72 hours, 1week, 3weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
Results: The average value of hemoglobin and hematocrit at birth were 150g/L and 0.46L/L respectively. These values fell progressively to 68g/Land 0.26L/L at 6 weeks of age, with a marginal increase to 89g/Land 0.27L/L respectively at 12 weeks. At birth, the reticulocyte count was 2.2%and at 12 weeks it was 1.3%.
Conclusion: In the first week of life, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels of less than120g/L and 0.3L/L respectively should be considered as anemia. This should be investigated and treated appropriately.
Key words: Healthy-preterm-AGA-baby; Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit.
[Jnl of College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 9-12]
