The effect of glucocorticosteroids on the neonatal blood count.
To investigate the influence of glucocorticosteroid therapy on the neonatal blood count, the haematologic data of 68 preterm and term infants, who had received a single dose of 1 mg dexamethasone i.v., were reviewed. White blood cell (WBC) count and platelet count increased after steroid therapy. The increase in WBCs was associated with an increase in the number of neutrophilic granulocytes, whereas the number of eosinophils decreased. We conclude that glucocorticosteroids after the neonatal blood count and influence its value as a diagnostic marker for bacterial infections.
De Winter
J P
JP
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Van Bel
F
F
D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000187:drug effects; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects*; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects*
D003907:Dexamethasone