Publication:

Association of hematological parameters of cord blood and birth weight of newborns in relation to maternal hemoglobin: a cross-sectional study from eastern Nepal

Background Maternal anemia is a global public health problem and is common in developing countries. It may influence neonatal hematological parameters and birth weight. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the relationship between maternal and cord-blood haemoglobin concentrations and the association of maternal anemia with neonatal birth weight in a tertiary-care centre in Nepal.

Methods It was a qualitative cross-sectional study conducted over one year at the department of pathology, department of obstetrics and gynecology, and department of pediatrics, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.

Results Among the total 125 participants (pregnant women), 46 (36.80%) were anemic, with corresponding newborns’ mean cord blood hemoglobin of 13.81±1.32 gm/dl, whereas 79 (63.20%) were non-anemic, with corresponding newborns’ mean cord blood hemoglobin of 15.27±1.31 gm/dl. The p value was 0.00, indicating a significant difference between cord blood hemoglobin and maternal hemoglobin status, and the findings showed that a decrease in cord blood hemoglobin was associated with a decrease in maternal hemoglobin level. However, birth weight and other hematological parameters were not found to be associated (except for hematocrit) with mild and moderate degrees of maternal anemia.

Conclusions A linear relationship was observed between maternal and cord blood hemoglobin, but not with birth weight. Maternal anemia, which is still a common complication of pregnancy, can be detected by simple and cheap screening tests, and if managed early, decreases neonatal hematological derangement.