Maternal and neonatal predictive variables for quality of cord blood as a source of stem cells

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the maternal and neonatal predictive variables for quality of cord blood as a source of stem cells.

Methods: A descriptive design was followed in this study. A purposive sample of 143 pairs; pregnant women assigned for elective cesarean section and their newborns, was enrolled in current study. The subjects were recruited from the Operating Theater of Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. One hundred forty three umbilical cord blood units were collected in utero from cesarean deliveries. The collected units were assessed for its blood volume and total nucleated cells content. An assessment sheet of 12 items was used as a tool of data collection.

Results: The greater blood volume and higher nucleated cells obtained from the primigravida, between 37 to 40 gestation weeks, and those not exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy (163.1 ± 24.8 ml and 10.2 ± 2.8 × 10⁶ cells/ml, 169.3 ± 22.6 ml and 11.2 ± 1.9 × 10⁶ cells/ml, 169.8 ± 21.4 ml and 10.0 ± 2.9 × 10⁶ cells/ml respectively). The birth weight ≥ 3,600 g, the first born baby, and the heavier placenta (≥ 550 g) produced significantly greater blood volume and cellular content (161.5 ± 20.6 ml and 9.8 ± 2.4 × 10⁶ cells/ml, 164.6 ± 19.4 ml and 9.6 ±2.7 cells/ml, 164.8 ± 19.6 ml and 10.2 ± 2.6 × 10⁶ cells/ml respectively).

Conclusions: Primigravida, delivery between 37 to 40 gestation weeks, and no exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy were the maternal variables that were associated with larger blood volume and higher cellular content. Even though, first born baby, birth weight ≥ 3,600 g, and placenta weight ≥ 550 g were the neonatal variables.