Leukocytosis in labor: what are its implications?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of the peripheral white blood count (WBC) drawn during labor as a predictor of postpartum morbidity.


METHODS
Hospital charts on 309 consecutive obstetrical deliveries performed by residents of the Cox Family Practice Residency were reviewed for evidence of maternal or neonatal postpartum morbidity. An analysis of means was used to compare the average antepartum WBC in the morbid and non-morbid groups.


RESULTS
The average WBC in a laboring patient was 12,450, with a range of 4,400 to 29,100. Patients with postpartum complications had a WBC similar to that of patients without complications (12,900 vs 12,300 p = 0.449).


CONCLUSIONS
An elevated WBC obtained on admission to the labor ward is not helpful in predicting postpartum complications in mothers or newborns.
Cox Family Practice Residency, Lester E. Cox Medical Centers, Springfield, Missouri 65802.
P
P
Molberg
C
C
Johnson
T S
TS
Brown
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001034:Apgar Score; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000097:blood*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors