Nuchal cord as a cause of neonatal anemia
A. J. Shepherd, C. J. Richardson and J. P. Brown
Nuchal cord was documented in 437 neonates consecutively admitted to the
newborn nursery at The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital,
Galveston. The prevalence of anemia in the nuchal cord group (venous
hemoglobin level of less than 13.2 g/dL or hematocrit of less than 39.2%)
was compared with that in a control group. None of the controls was anemic.
Five of 27 neonates with tight nuchal cord and four of 30 with loose nuchal
cord were anemic. Anemia in the tight nuchal cord group was usually
observed early, and in three infants was manifest by hypotension,
necessitating transfusion. Anemia associated with loose nuchal cord
occurred later and was asymptomatic. This study emphasizes the increased
risk of anemia associated with nuchal cord and demonstrates the need for
hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations in neonates with this obstetrical
complication.
