Physiological Changes In Individual Leukocytes In Pregnancy

Abstract

To determine the changes in individual types of leukocytes in third trimester of pregnancy,  a  cross  sectional study was conducted in the antenatal clinic of Gynaecology and  Obstetrics  Lady  reading  Hospital Peshawar, from 1st Aug to 10th Dec 2012. A Total of 152 pregnant ladies were included and necessary information was recorded on the questionnaire.

The age range of the patient was from 20 years to 49 years with mean age of 33 ± 3.4years. Out of total 27(18%) were prima gravida. Total leukocyte count was higher than normal in  68%  cases.  Re- garding effects of pregnancy on neutrophils, 60.7% of the pregnant women had neutrophil count > 68%. About, 46% had lymphocyte count >25%. No evident changes were seen in monocyte counts. Eosinophilia was present in 10.5% while 3.16% had basophilia.

It was evident from the data collected that  physiological  changes  were  present  in  individual  leukocytes. There was marked neutrophilia and lymphocytosis. Changes in monocytes, eosinophils and  basophils were not remarkable.