Perinatal outcome in babies with high cord blood nucleated red blood cell count.

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a serious problem and is a common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Various predictors have been used to predict perinatal asphyxia but correlation between the clinical and biochemical markers have been poor. NRBC count has been found associated with adverse fetal outcome. Aim of study: To assess NRBC count and its relation with perinatal outcome. Methods: This prospective case control study was conducted in Lalla-Ded hospital GMC Srinagar from Mar 2019-Mar 2020. We studied 200 patients beyond 38 weeks of pregnancy into two groups with 100 patients each in case and control group. After delivery Cord blood sample was assessed for pH, base excess and nucleated RBC count. Perinatal outcome was compared. Results: The mean NRBC count of cases was 23.3+10.1 and it was 12.5+4.7 in control group. The difference was statistically significant. Also NRBC count correlated with non- reassuring fetal heart rate patter, meconium stained liquor, low 1min 1nd 5 min Apgar. NICU admission was significantly high in babies with high NRBC count with significant mortality and morbidity. Conclusion: NRBC count can be used as a marker to confirm perinatal asphyxia. The test is simple, quick, accurate and effective to diagnose and start treatment to prevent long term sequelae.