Hematological Parameters in Newborns of Mothers with and Without Preeclampsia

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia syndrome are multisystem disorders associated with adaptive changes in the fetal circulation and cause a marked imbalance in the hemostatic system of the mother and fetus. Objectives: This study aimed to compare hematological parameters in newborns of mothers with and without preeclampsia. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 30 newborns of mothers with preeclampsia and 30 newborns with normotensive mothers matched for age and sex as a control group. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from all newborns, and complete blood count and ferritin levels were measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and the difference between the two groups was compared using the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The newborns of mothers with preeclampsia had higher mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width but lower white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and ferritin level than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Also, the mean red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit was higher in the preeclamptic mothers’ newborns compared to those of the control group, although not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Newborns of mothers with preeclampsia should be carefully evaluated and monitored regarding hematologic abnormalities and early diagnosis of possible complications.