The predictive value of Eosinophilia in Umbilical cord blood as an indication neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Background and Objectives: Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common problems in the neonatal period. Bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus) is the gravest outcome that may result from severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Eosinophilia is common in preterm and term newborns, and it is considered when the absolute count of eosinophil is ≥ 500cell/mm3. The clinical significance of eosinophilia in neonates is unclear, but it contributes to allergic reaction, immune complex phagocytosis and adjustment of inflammatory response. In the case of the most of hospitalized newborns with jaundice problem, it is thought that there is some relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and increasing of blood eosinophil count. Given that occurring of this event is a result of hyperbilirubinemia, this research project will examine the relationship between eosinophil level of neonate umbilical cord blood and its predictive value as an indication of neonatal hyperbirubinemia. Methods: 150 newborns with gestational ages of 35-40 weeks, born in Ardabil Alavi hospital, were engaged in this study. After obtaining the parents' consent, getting patients biography and their physical examination, we got a blood sample from umbilical cord of newborns to measure differential count of white blood cells. The neonates were observed up to 28 day followed. Then, second blood test conducted for the purpose of measuring serum level of bilirubin. After completing the questionnaire, data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20 and descripted using t-test. Results: Various group of age, sex, blood type and gestational age showed no significant difference in their eosinophil rate. Total serum bilirubin doesn't have a significant relationship with gestational age, sex, type of delivery and major or minor blood groups of neonates. Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between the amount of eosinophil in newborn umbilical cord and total serum bilirubin. (P value=0.6), thus newborns eosinophil count isn’t the best criteria for predicating the appearance of neonate hyperbilirubinemia