OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between meconium stained amniotic fluid and fetal nucleated red blood cell counts.

Study design:

A prospectively case controlled study was performed on 60 women with clear amniotic fluid as control and 60 women with meconium stained amniotic fluid as cases. At delivery 2 ml of umbilical cord blood was collected and analyzed for NRBC and other hemathopoitic factors.

RESULTS:

The mean NRBC counts in meconium stained amniotic fluid was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001)

CONCLUSION:

Our results support previous studies which indicate the presence of mecomium can be associated with chronic fetal hypoxia as demonstrated by elevated fetal NRBC levels.

Keywords: nucleated red blood cells, fetal hypoxia, meconium stained amniotic fluid