Abstract 1059 Poster Session IV, Tuesday, 5/4 (poster 229)

Background: Normal hematological values at birth in premature infants are based on data from small number of capillary blood samples. The published data suggest no change in Hb & Hct values with gestational age. No data is available on the effect of race.

Objectives: To establish normative data for Hb & Hct by arterial sampling in black & white premature infants(≤31 wks).Methods: Retrospective chart review of all babies born between 06/94 & 10/98 at ≤ 31 weeks of gestation was undertaken. 428 available charts were reviewed. Strict exclusion criteria were used to select near normal premature population.

Inclusion criteria: Babies of ≤31 weeks of gestation, whose blood was drawn arterially in first three hours after birth. Exclusion criteria: SGA babies, intra uterine transfusions, hydrops fetalis, positive ab screen other than due to rhogam, fluid boluses prior to first blood draw, grade III or IV IVH on day #1 or 3 HUS, discordant twins, twin to twin transfusion, meds that might interfere with fetal bone marrow, antenatal bleeding warranting C/S, chromosomal anomalies, feto maternal hemorrhage, cyanotic congenital heart diseases. 239 babies were excluded. Results: 189 patients were classified into 3 gestational age groups, I=23-25wks(40pts) (713gms±159), II=26-28 wks(60)(962gms±160), III=29-31wks(89) (1370gms±238).54% were male & 46% female overall. 47% were whites & 40%blacks. (Table) Conclusions: Hb, Hct values increased progressively & MCV decreased with gestational age in both races. Hematological values were significantly higher in whites in group III age group, with a trend for higher values in whites in Gr I & II. Etiology for the racial differences is unknown, but possibly reflects high incidence of α thallasemia in the black population.

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