Neutropenia in neonates delivered of women with pre-eclampsia.

Abstract

Objective: To show that neutrophil counts are decreased in neonates born of mothers with pre-eclampsia and that pre-eclampsia itself is an independent risk factor for perinatal neutropenia.

Methods: In a tertiary referral centre two groups of patients at high risk to have a neonate with neutropenia. All patients were delivered by elective caesarean section, group 1 because of pre-eclampsia, group 2 because of idiopathic fetal growth restriction.

Results: Neutrophil counts were significantly lower in infants of group 1 compared to group 2 and this difference was still present if the sub-group of less premature neonates (> 32 weeks of gestation) was considered. The rate of infections was also raised in the newborns of hypertensive mothers.

Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia of the mother is an independent risk factor for neutropenia and infections in premature newborns. Early detection and prophylactic treatment of this high risk group of infants are probably necessary.