Admission Haematological Abnormalities and Postoperative Outcomes in Neonates with Acute Surgical Conditions in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: Haematological parameters in neonates are significantly deranged in the presence of an acute gastro intestinal surgical condition. This study analysed pattern of admission haematological abnormalities and their relation to postoperative outcomes in acute surgical newborns.
Methods: Conveniently obtained record files of neonates (≤ 30 days of age) who undergone surgery for acute surgical conditions between January 2014 and January 2015 at El Shatby hospital, Alexandria-Egypt were studied. Information collated included patients demographic characteristics and haematological investigations results of blood samples drawn at time of admission.
Results: A total of 156 neonates with available admission blood investigations results were studied. Low haemoglobin level was present in 3.2% (5) of cases all being peritonitis neonates, P=0.01. About 39.1% (61) of newborns had raised renal function tests results, P=0.01 and most of them had also abnormal serum electrolytes, P=0.03 and C-reactive protein, P=0.00. Most of cases with abnormal liver function tests results had hyperbilirubinaemia, P=0.04, and hypoglycaemia, P=0.03. Many of newborns with abnormal bleeding indices had raised renal function tests results, P=0.03. Hyperbilirubinaemia was found in 43.2% (54/125) of cases, P=0.00 and most of them had also hypoglycaemia, P=0.00. Anaemia was significantly associated with development of postoperative complications=0.01.
Conclusion: Haematological parameters in neonates are significantly disturbed by acute gastrointestinal surgical conditions. Serum electrolytes, C-reactive protein and bleeding indices are useful indicators of renal function.

Keywords
Haematological abnormalities; neonates; acute gastrointestinal surgical emergencies; outcomes