Elevated nucleated red blood cell count:: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and causes of elevated nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a 1-year, population based surveillance study that included pregnant women and their infants from our medical center, which serves as a tertiary referral hospital. Outcome measures included NRBC count, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores, cord blood gasses, rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U-test, independent samples t test, chi(2) test, Fisher's exact test and Spearman's correlation test, as appropriate. RESULTS: NRBC count obtained from 423 women had a median of 4 (0-163). A cutoff point of 13.5 for predicting fetal acidosis had the highest combined sensitivity (77.8%) and specificity (84%). Three hundred forty-nine neonates had a NRBC count <= 13.5, whereas 73 had > 13.5. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preeclampsia (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 2.8-12.3) remained the most prominent risk factor for elevated NRBC count. CONCLUSION: Elevated NRBC appears to be associated with preeclampsia.