Variation in some Haematological Parameters in Newborns at Different Locations in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Haematological parameters in the newborn are commonly used tool to assess the health or disease status of the newborn. These parameters, to a large extent are believed to vary with geographical locations. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of geographical location on some haematological parameters in the newborns at birth. Blood samples were collected at birth from 374 apparently healthy newborns, and their full blood counts was determined using Sysmex KX-21N haematology analyzer. The mean ± standard deviation of red blood cell (4.81 ± 3.69), white blood cell (14.08 ± 6.17), Neutrophil counts (8.31 ± 4.31) and mean platelet volume (10.34 ± 1.25) among newborns delivered in Warri were significantly higher when compared with newborns delivered in Asaba with red blood cell (4.27 ± 0.57), white blood cell (12.61 ± 3.86), Neutrophil counts (6.54 ± 2.55) and mean platelet volume (9.72 ± 0.97). This study revealed significant differences in mean red blood cell counts (p = 0.0470), white blood cell counts (p = 0.0062), neutrophil counts (p < 0.0001) and mean platelet volume (p < 0.0001) among newborns in the two study locations.
Therefore, the use of uniform reference range in the clinical management of neonates from these locations should be revisited. The understanding of these observed changes in the birthplace of newborns could assist paediatricians and neonatologists in the diagnosis and clinical management of newborns in various localities.