Reference values for nucleated red blood cells and serum lactate in very and extremely low birth weight infants in the first week of life

This is one of only a very few studies that systematically and serially evaluated both NRBC counts and serum lactate concentration in VLBW and ELBW infants in the first 6 days of life. Both parameters were significantly dependent on birth weight and the presence of IUGR. Moreover, a significant correlation between NRBC counts and serum lactate concentrations in this early period of life could be demonstrated. In future studies, the role of these readily available biomarkers in predicting important neonatal outcome parameters needs to be evaluated in a prospective manner.