Haematological indices in healthy appropriate for - Gestational - Age (AGA) pre term babies

Abstract

Aim: To determine the pattern of change of red bloodcell in appropriate-for gestational - age (AGA) preterm babies in the first twelve weeks of life. Patients and Methods: All consecutive healthy preterm 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, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results: The average values of hemoglobin and hematocrit at birth Were 150g/L and 0.46L/L respectively. These values fell progressively to 68g/L and 0.26L/L at six weeks of age, with a marginal increase to 89g/L and 0.27L/L respectively at twelve weeks. At birth, the reticulocyte count was 2.2% and at twelve weeks it was 1.3%. Conclusion: In the first week of life, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels of less than 120g/L and 0.3L/L respectively should be considered as anemia. This should be investigated and treated appropriately.

Keywords

• healthy-preterm-aga-baby; hemoglobin concentration
• hematocrit.