Comprehensive reference intervals for white blood cell counts during pregnancy

Abstract

Background

White blood cell (WBC) count increases during pregnancy, necessitating reliable reference intervals for assessing infections and pregnancy-related complications. This study aimed to establish comprehensive reference intervals for WBC counts during pregnancy.

Methods

The analysis included 17,737 pregnant women, with weekly WBC count measurements from pre-pregnancy to postpartum. A threshold linear regression model determined reference intervals, while Harris and Boyd’s test partitioned the intervals.

Results

WBC count exhibited a significant increase during pregnancy, characterized by a rapid rise before 7 weeks of gestation, followed by a plateau. Neutrophils primarily drove this increase, showing a similar pattern. The threshold regression model and Harris and Boyd’s test supported partitioned reference intervals for WBC counts: 4.0–10.0 × 10^9/L for < = 2 weeks, 4.7–11.9 × 10^9/L for 3–5 weeks, and 5.7–14.4 × 10^9/L for > = 6 weeks of gestation. These reference intervals identified pregnant women with high WBC counts, who had a higher incidence of pregnancy-related complications including placenta previa, oligohydramnios, secondary uterine inertia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Conclusion

This study establishes comprehensive reference intervals for WBC counts during pregnancy. Monitoring WBC counts is clinically relevant, as elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of infection and pregnancy-related complications.