Percentile curves for various hematologic measurements at birth in Arab preterm babies of different gestational ages
Article Abstract:
Very little information is available about the normal values of various substances in blood of premature babies of different gestational ages. Because medical advances have made survival of younger premature infants possible, it is important to establish standards for these hematologic variables. These values were studied in 550 of 602 premature babies born at gestational ages of 24 through 36 weeks. Most of the infants were Saudi Arabian and were born in Riyadh. Except for the ages of 24 and 25 weeks, there were at least 50 babies in each age group. Infants and mothers with conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, which could affect these variables, were excluded from the study. Birth weights ranged from 0.48 to 3.6 kilograms (about 1.0 to 7.9 pounds). Fifth, 50th, and 95th percentile values at various gestational ages were provided in graph form for levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit (proportional volume of cells in blood), red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and levels of the specific white blood cells neutrophils, band cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. The values of hemoglobin and hematocrit were higher than those previously reported. Contrary to previous reports, gestational age had a significant effect on these and other parameters such as mean corpuscular volume. Age most affected the total white blood cell count. The observed values will likely be useful for assessing the conditions of premature babies of Arab and other ancestry. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Diseases of Children
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-922X
Year: 1991
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Episodes of bradycardia during early infancy in the term-born and preterm infant
Article Abstract:
Transient episodes of bradycardia (TEBs) in healthy term and preterm infants may be normal reflex responses. They may not indicate a high risk of sudden infant death syndrome. TEBs are brief, self-limiting periods when the heart rate slows. Fourteen healthy term-born infants, nine preterm infants with apnea and 10 preterm infants without apnea were evaluated in a sleep laboratory. TEBs to 60 to 70 beats per minute were commonly observed, but none of the heart rates dropped below 50 beats per minute. Infants with higher heart rates had fewer TEBs. Similar results were obtained for preterm infants with and without apnea. TEBs do not appear to be associated with apnea so infant monitor alarms can probably be set for as low as 50 beats per minute.
Publication Name: American Journal of Diseases of Children
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-922X
Year: 1993
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