Published July 1, 2026 | Version v1
Journal article Open

CHANGES IN THE HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF NEONATES FROM MOTHERS WITH PREECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Departments of Haematology & Blood Transfusion, Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
  • 2. Department of Haematology & Blood Transfusion Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
  • 3. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Description

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a natural physiological process in which the health of both the mother and the foetus influences neonatal outcomes. Complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia can affect the foetal haematological parameters. This study aimed to determine and compare haematological parameters in neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia or eclampsia and in those born to normotensive mothers.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study encompassed a total of 168 neonates, with 56 neonates each born to mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive conditions. Participants were recruited from the labor and preeclamptic wards of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. The preeclampsia and eclampsia groups functioned as the study cohorts, whereas the normotensive group served as the control cohort. A complete blood count was conducted on fetal cord blood utilizing a 5-part Mythic Haematology Analyser. Reticulocyte counts were determined, and peripheral blood smears were examined. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with a p-value threshold of ≤ 0.05 deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS: In this study, the mean cord blood haemoglobin concentration was 15.15±1.71, 15.20±1.67, and 14.04±1.80 g/dl for neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive conditions, respectively. The mean WBC count was significantly lower in cord blood from neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia (9.02 ± 1.17 x 10⁹/L) and eclampsia (8.70 ± 1.15 x 10⁹/L) than in normotensive neonates (13.51 ± 2.50 x 10⁹/L). Additionally, the mean platelet count was significantly lower in cord blood from neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia (163.16 ± 55.43 x 10⁹/L) and eclampsia (162.77 ± 52.56 x 10⁹/L) than in cord blood from normotensive neonates (198.18 ± 41.55 x 10⁹/L), with a p-value <0.05. There was no significant difference in the mean cord blood haematological parameters among neonates born to mothers with mild, moderate, or eclampsia.

CONCLUSION: The study reveals that neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia and eclampsia exhibit higher mean levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, and reticulocytes. Additionally, a reduction in the mean white blood cell (specifically neutrophils) and platelet counts was observed in these neonates. Timely haematological assessments are crucial to enable the early detection and mitigation of risks such as hyperviscosity syndrome, neonatal sepsis, and bleeding. This proactive strategy can substantially decrease morbidity and improve the survival outcomes for neonatal patients.

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Additional details

Identifiers

ISSN
3049-1401

Related works

Is documented by
Journal article: 10.5281/zenodo.21095339 (DOI)

Dates

Accepted
2026-07-01
This dataset and research article examine the impact of maternal preeclampsia and eclampsia on the haematological profile of neonates by analysing umbilical cord blood samples collected at birth. The study was conducted as a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative investigation involving 168 neonates, including those born to mothers with preeclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive pregnancies. Complete blood count, reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear examinations were performed to evaluate key neonatal haematological parameters. The findings demonstrate that neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia and eclampsia had significantly higher haemoglobin, haematocrit, and reticulocyte levels compared with neonates born to normotensive mothers. In contrast, white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils, and platelet counts were significantly reduced in neonates exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. No statistically significant differences were observed among neonates born to mothers with varying severities of preeclampsia and eclampsia. These findings underscore the importance of early cord blood haematological assessment for the prompt identification of neonatal complications associated with maternal hypertensive disorders, including hyperviscosity syndrome, neonatal sepsis, and bleeding tendencies. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical intervention may contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and improving survival outcomes. This research provides valuable evidence for neonatologists, haematologists, obstetricians, paediatricians, researchers, and healthcare professionals investigating maternal-fetal health, neonatal haematology, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and cord blood biomarkers. The study also contributes to the growing body of knowledge supporting improved neonatal care and evidence-based clinical decision-making in resource-limited healthcare settings. **Keywords:** Cord blood, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Neonatal haematology, Full blood count, Haematological parameters, Neonates, Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Maternal health, Neonatal outcomes, Sokoto.

Software

Repository URL
https://msipublishers.com/vol-3-iss-2-may-aug-2026-jmmr/

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