Correlation of peripheral white cell and bone marrow changes with folate levels in pregnancy and their clinical significance.
Two hundred and thirty-eight ;megaloblastic' pregnancies are reviewed. Bone-marrow aspiration was performed in every case. Serum folate estimations were strongly suggestive of folic acid deficiency in only 34% of cases. If, however, the red cell folate was determined as well, there was an almost complete agreement with the changes in the erythroblasts. It is suggested that hyper-segmentation of the neutrophils in association with a diminished red cell folate level is indicative of significant folic acid deficiency. This series possibly shows a slight but statistically insignificant increase of accidental haemorrhage. No effect on birth weight or incidence of stillbirth was demonstrable.
D000328:Adult; D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000209:etiology*; D001769:Blood; D001856:Bone Marrow Examination; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic
D005492:Folic Acid