Abstract
The goal of the present study was to evaluate total and differential leukocyte counts during the first 5 days of life in relation to the method of delivery. We included 203 healthy term infants; of these, 114 were born by vaginal delivery, and 89 by elective cesarean section. Total and differential leukocyte counts were evaluated at the following intervals: 0-6, 7-12, 13-24, 25-48, 49-72, 73-96, and 97-120 h after birth. The cord serum cortisol level was measured as an indicator of the degree of delivery-related stress. Mean leukocyte and neutrophil counts were higher in infants born by vaginal delivery in cord blood and up to 12 h of life. No significant differences were observed in the immature: total neutrophil ratios between the two groups of infants. The cord serum cortisol level was higher in vaginally delivered infants. A significant correlation was found between cortisol and leukocyte, neutrophil, or lymphocyte counts. The method of delivery produces significantly different total leukocyte and neutrophil counts during the first 12 h after birth; after this time, there appears to be no more variation of leukocyte counts during the first 5 days of life.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 294-299 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Biology of the Neonate |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - May 1999 |
Keywords
- Cesarean section
- Cortisol
- Leukocytes
- Neutrophils
- Vaginal delivery
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health