Effect of Early Versus Delayed Cord Clamping on Hematocrit and Serum Bilirubin Levels
Suhani Patel, Nivedita Patil
Abstract
Background: Placental transfusion reduces the risk of anemia and iron deficiency in low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates, based on the time of cord clamping.
Aim: To compare the effect of early cord clamping (ECC) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) on hematocrit and serum bilirubin levels in term LBW neonates
Materials and Methods: Pregnant women who gave consent were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups: ECC and DCC. In the ECC group, cord clamping was done at 15 seconds, and in the DCC group, it was done at 1 minute. LBW neonates (< 2500 g) with an Apgar score > 7 at 5 minutes and normal heart rate were included (N = 200) in the study. Hematocrit levels at the fourth hour and the third day of life were measured. Serum bilirubin level was measured on the third day of life. The data collected were analyzed using the RStudio software (version 1.2.5001).
Results: The hematocrit levels at the fourth hour and the third day of life were significantly high in the DCC group (P = 2e-16 and P = 2e-16, respectively). The hematocrit level at the fourth hour of life was significantly associated with the time of cord clamping (ECC and DCC) and parity (P = 2e-16 and P = .02903, respectively). The serum bilirubin level at the third day of life was significantly high in the DCC group, and it was significantly associated with the time of cord clamping (ECC and DCC; P = .002), mother’s age (P = .8), birth weight (P = .67), and mode of delivery (P < .85).
Conclusion: Comparatively, DCC is beneficial to the hematologic status in LBW neonates.
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