Evaluation of Laboratory Disorders in Admitted Neonates in NICU Who Were Born to Preeclamptic Mothers

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the laboratory disorders in neonates born to preeclamptic mothers. This descriptive-retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal units of Shahid Beheshti and Shabihkhani Hospitals on neonates born to preeclamptic mothers during 2009 - 2012. Neonatal data including gestational age, gender, mode of delivery, birth weight and laboratory reports were extracted from their medical records and analyzed. A total of 2600 newborns were admitted during the study period, of which 84 infants were born to mothers with preeclampsia. The laboratory disorders were neutropenia in 32 cases (37%), anemia in 33 (39.2%), leucopenia in 24 (28.5%), thrombocytopenia in 23 (27.3%), hypoglycemia in 28 (33.3%), hypocalcemia in 22 (26.1%) and hyperbilirubinemia in 33 (39.2%) patients. Thirty one infants (35.6%) had positive cultures .Twenty nine patients (35%) developed coagulative disorders with prolonged PT and PTT. Evaluation of ABG showed 16 infants (19%) with metabolic acidosis, 23 (27.3%) hypoxia and 24 (28.5%) respiratory acidosis cases. All the laboratory abnormalities were more common in preterm and low birth-weight-infants. Early detection and timely management of laboratory disorders in preeclamptic infants may lead to improvement of the neonatal outcomes.