Hematologic Profiles and Eosinophilia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Han, Ji Yeon; Kil, Tae Hwan; Yoon, Jung Min; Kim, June Bum; Ko, Kyong Og; Lee, Young Hyuk; Lim, Jae Woo

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study investigated the pattern of hematologic profile and eosinophilia for a month after birth in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
METHODS
The medical records of 141 VLBW infants (birth weight, <1,500 g) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Konyang University Hospital. We collected complete blood cell counts (CBC) weekly for 4 weeks and studied hematologic profile and related factors of eosinophilia (> or =700/mm3).
RESULTS
Overall, 50.4% of all infants had at least one instance of eosinophilia for a month after birth. There were 50.7% with moderate eosinophilia (1,000-2,999/mm3). White blood cell (WBC) counts and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) climaxed on 7th day of life, whereas eosinophilia mainly occurred on 21st day of life. The demographic data and perinatal characteristics of infants with and without eosinophilia were compared. Prevalence of eosinophilia was associated with gestational age and total parenteral nutrition on 21st day of life; total parenteral nutrition and transfusion on 28th day of life. Eosinophilia was closely associated with transfusion on logistic regression analysis (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Eosinophilia in VLBW infants occurs mainly on 21st day of life. Eosinophil counts showed a separate trend different from WBC counts and ANC. Transfusion was significantly associated with eosinophilia.