Polymorph Function in Severely Asphyxiated Newborn Infants

Abstract

Neutrophil intracellular killing ability and neutrophil chemotaxis were determined in ten severely asphyxiated newborn babies (Apgar score < 3 at 5 minutes) after resuscitation and admission into the special care baby unit. Ten healthy normal newborn babies matched for gestational age, sex and methods of delivery, were similarly studied as controls. Viable bacteria count before and after a three-hour incubation was performed, using the most probable number table. The chemotactic index was determined by comparing polymorph migration towards a chemoattractant with polymorph migration to- wards a control medium. The bactericidal activity was lower (P < 0.05) in asphyxiated infants than in the controls. Similarly, the chemotactic index for the asphyxiated infants was lower than that of controls, although the difference was not significant. It is concluded that severe asphyxia results in general depression of polymorph function.