Background: Nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) are immature erythrocytes whose production is thought to be driven primarily by the interplay of hypoxia and erythropoietin synthesis. Neonatal sepsis is classified as early-onset (occurring within the first 24 hours of life) or late-onset (Occurring after 48-72 hours). The aim of this study was to analyze the cause for the presence of nRBCs in the peripheral blood of neonates sent for routine workup in the Hematology Laboratory of the Department of Pathology, SMSR, Sharda University.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of 27 complete blood counts and peripheral blood smears of neonates was conducted over one month. Smears had been prepared and stored for examination, and reports had been dispatched. Clinical details (As available from clinicians), parameters for neonatal sepsis (NLR, PLR, IG), platelet counts, and nRBC counts were recorded and tabulated. For result tabulation, neonatal samples were divided into two groups: 0-1 day and 2-30 days.
Results: The neonates included 17 males and 9 females. Assessment of NLR, PLR, and IG indicated higher values in the 2-30-day group compared to the 0-1-day group. Moreover, nRBCs were also elevated in the 2-30-day group.
Conclusion: The presence of nRBCs in peripheral blood smears is an important indicator of neonatal stress, including sepsis, jaundice, and hypoxic sepsis.
