Impact of the gestational week on red cell distribution width in newborns
Abstract
these values have been interpreted according to adult values in most routine blood counts. The aim of this study
is to evaluate the effects of the gestational week on red cell distribution width values in newborns.
Materials and methods: The demographic characteristics and complete blood cell count (CBC) values of
the babies admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2017-2019 were evaluated retrospectively.
Newborns were categorized as full-term group (gestational weeks ≥37) or preterm group (gestational weeks
<37). The mean gestational age, birth weight, sex ratio, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and mean corpuscular
volume (MCV) values were recorded and RDW values were compared in both groups.
Results: The study population included 485 infants, comprising 250 full-term and 235 preterm babies. The
mean gestational age of the full-term group was 38.5±1.3 weeks, the mean birth weight was 3198±478g, with
7.2% small for gestational age (SGA) (n=18). The mean gestational age of the preterm group was 32.5±3.4
weeks, the mean birth weight was 2015±815 g, with 5.5% SGA (n=13). The mean RDW values (16.1±1.5) in
preterm babies were significantly higher than the RDW values (15.8±1.3) of full-term babies (p=0.011). RDW
values of SGA babies were higher in both groups, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Red cell distribution width (RDW), an index of the differential diagnosis of neonatal hematologic
diseases, has recently been found to be associated with inflammation. In our study, RDW values were statistically
higher in preterm babies than in full-term babies. These findings may be useful in the differential diagnosis and
prediction of neonatal diseases, together with other blood count parameters.
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Supporting Institution
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References
- Referans 1 Qurtom HA, al-Saleh QA, Lubani MM, et al. The value of red cell distribution width in the diagnosis of anemia in children. Eur J Pediatr 1989;148:745-748.
- Referans 2 Ku NS, Kim HW, Oh HJ, et al. Red blood cell distribution width is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with gram-negative bacteremia. Shock 2012;38: 123-127.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Paediatrics
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Özgül Bulut
*
0000-0001-9939-7375
Türkiye
Sertaç Arslanoğlu
0000-0002-1636-9991
Türkiye
Fahri Ovalı
0000-0002-9717-313X
Türkiye
Publication Date
April 1, 2022
Submission Date
May 30, 2021
Acceptance Date
September 23, 2021
Published in Issue
Year 2022 Volume: 15 Number: 2
