NRBC concentrations over time in neonates with moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy with and without sentinel events

Abstract

Objective: To study the serum concentrations of nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) over time in neonates with moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

Study design: A retrospective cohort study with subjects subdivided into three groups: definite sentinel events (n = 52), probable sentinel events (n = 20) and no history of sentinel events (n = 63). Peak absolute NRBC and NRBC/100 WBC were compared between groups and with MRI Injury score, cord and admission pH/base deficit.

Results: Absolute NRBC peaked at 24.05 h after birth (CI: 15.30-32.79), 17.56 h after birth (CI: 7.35-27.77), and 39.81 h after birth (CI: 28.73-50.89) in each respective group. The peak in absolute NRBC correlated with the severity of injury in the grey matter in group 2 and white matter in groups 1 and 2. Higher peak absolute NRBC value correlated to a lower admission ABG pH.

Conclusion: NRBC peak at 24 h after birth in neonates with sentinel events.