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Journal of Clinical Pathology logoLink to Journal of Clinical Pathology
. 1966 Jan;19(1):33–36. doi: 10.1136/jcp.19.1.33

Correlation of peripheral white cell and bone marrow changes with folate levels in pregnancy and their clinical significance

S Varadi 1, D Abbott 1, A Elwis 1
PMCID: PMC473154  PMID: 5904979

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty-eight `megaloblastic' pregnancies are reviewed. Bone-marrow aspiration was performed in every case. Serum folate estimations were strongly suggestive of folic acid deficiency in only 34% of cases. If, however, the red cell folate was determined as well, there was an almost complete agreement with the changes in the erythroblasts. It is suggested that hyper-segmentation of the neutrophils in association with a diminished red cell folate level is indicative of significant folic acid deficiency.

This series possibly shows a slight but statistically insignificant increase of accidental haemorrhage. No effect on birth weight or incidence of stillbirth was demonstrable.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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