Comparison of Three Different Cord Clamping Techniques Regarding Oxidative-antioxidative Capacity in Term Newborns

Objective As newborns are exposed to oxidative stress during delivery, cord clamping techniques play significant role on antioxidant status. In this study, we aimed to show the relationship between early cord clamping (ECC), delayed cord clamping (DCC) and cut umblical cord milking (C-UCM) techniques with total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and peroxynitrite levels. Study Design Sixty-nine term infants were selected with APGAR score of 7 and above in the first and fifth minutes. The mothers of all infants had uncomplicated pregnancy, had no congenital anomaly, and delivered by cesarean section. Newborns were randomised to one of three groups: ECC (n: 23), DCC (n: 23) or C-UCM (n: 23). After all newborn babies were taken under radiant heater, blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord. The plasma samples were then frozen and stored at -80 °C until analysis and TOC, TAC and peroxynitrite levels were studied. Results The ages of the mothers participating in the study were between 17 and 42, with an average of 29.14 ± 6.28. 30 (43.5%) of the babies were girls and 39 (56.5%) were boys. The 5th minute APGAR score of the babies in early cord clamping group was significantly lower than the babies in delayed cord clamping and cut cord milking group (p = 0.034; p = 0.034; p <0.05). The TOC, OSI and Peroxynitrite measurements of three groups did not differ statistically. The TAC value of the C-UCM group was significantly higher than the patients with the ECC and DCC group (p = 0.002; p = 0.019; p <0.05). Conclusion C-UCM and DCC would be feasible methods by increasing antioxidant status and providing protective effect on the future health of the term newborns,

Increment in Phototherapy After Adopting Delayed Cord Clamping Practice

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 recommended delayed cord clamping (DCC) in all babies who cry immediately after birth. Despite many benefits, there are concerns of increased rate of phototherapy in babies receiving DCC. This study was done to determine the increment in the rate of phototherapy required in infants managed with DCC vs infants managed with early cord clamping (ECC). Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India. All the infants born between January 2018 and July 2018, for whom ECC was done, were compared with infants who were born between January 2019 and July 2019, after DCC policy was adopted. All the infants with birth weight ≥2 kg and gestation ≥35 weeks, who were with their mother, were included. Baseline characteristics were compared for both the groups. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for treatment of neonatal jaundice were used to determine the need for phototherapy. Number of infants in both the groups who required phototherapy were compared. Results: The ECC group had 565 infants while DCC group had 731 infants. There was no difference in the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups. Jaundice requiring phototherapy was noted in 31% of infants in the ECC group, compared to 45% in infants in the DCC group (relative risk: 1.47 [1.27-1.71] [ P < .001]). Conclusion: In this study, DCC increased the need for phototherapy by 47% in late preterm and term infants. Randomized control trials with larger sample size are required to confirm this finding.

Effect of early and delayed cord clamping on hemoglobin and hematocrit among full term neonates.

Objective: To compare the mean hemoglobin levels and frequency of polycythemia in full term neonates after early and delayed cord clamping. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: KRL General Hospital Islamabad (Labor Room/ Neonatology). Periods: December 2017 to June 2018. Material & Methods: 190 full term neonates were selected and divided into 2 equal groups randomly: Early cord clamping group after delivery and late cord clamping group. Two hours after clamping the venous blood samples were taken for the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for gestational age, birth weight, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Frequency and proportions were calculated for gender and polycythemia. Results: Mean gestational age of the mothers was 39.27 ± 1.50 weeks. Of 190 neonates, 91 (47.9%) were males, 99 (52.1%) were females. Mean birth weight was 3.64 ± 0.72 kg while mean Hb and HCT levels were 16.07 ± 2.30 g/dl and 63.26 ± 5.32% respectively. Keeping cut off value of 13.5 g/dl of Hb to label anemia or no, 35 (18.4%) neonates were anemic in this study. The polycythemia (HCT >65%) was present in 72 (37.9%) of neonates. There was no difference between groups in terms of gender, anemia, gestational age and birth weight (p values 0.663, 0.852, 0.700 and 0.491 respectively). The distribution of polycythemia was different among groups (p value 0.007). The mean hemoglobin level in group A was 15.52 ± 1.90 g/dl while in group B it was 16.62 ± 2.53 g/dl (p value 0.001). Mean Hb levels were statistically not different among some of the groups (gestational age <40 weeks, birth weight <4 kg) while HCT levels are significantly different among male group and category of birth weight >4 kg. Rest of the stratification groups showed significant difference. Conclusion: The delayed cord clamping in neonates results in increased mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels with increased frequency of polycythemia as compared to early cord clamping.

A study of effect of delayed and early umbilical cord clamping on neonatal haemoglobin status

Background: Delayed cord clamping has been supported by physician because it allows for physiological transfer of blood from placenta to the infant and thus permits placenta to newborn transfusion and results in an increased neonatal blood volume at birth. At present there is no standard definition of delayed cord clamping. Clamping time varies significantly between studies and a wide range of parameters were used for clamping of cord.Methods: This was an observational study conducted in a public hospital among 200 uncomplicated full-term pregnancies where 100 each were present in early cord clamping (ECC) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) groups respectively and neonatal haematological parameters studied according to different cord clamping times.Results: There was a significant increase of mean haemoglobin level from 14.8 to 16.0 g/dl from 15 secs to 60 secs and gradual increase of mean haemoglobin level from 16.2 to 16.8 g/dl from 60 secs to 180 secs. There was a highly significant difference between ECC and DCC groups regarding mean haemoglobin level and MCH values. MCV and MCH values were also significantly different in both the groups.Conclusions: We concluded in this study that delayed cord clamping, resulted in improved haemoglobin and other haematocrit levels specially when cord was clamped after first 60 secs. Delayed clamping also reduced the prevalence of neonatal anaemia at 2 days of age. In terms of maternal outcomes, delayed umbilical cord clamping did not increase the risk of postpartum haemorrhage or the need for blood transfusion.

Effects of delayed cord clamping on neonatal jaundice, phototherapy and early hematological status in term cesarean section

Background Delayed cord clamping in full-term neonates is widely recommended, while in practice, it is rarely implemented in cesarean section due to the fear of neonatal jaundice and excessive maternal blood loss. The optimal timing of cord clamping remains uncertain. This study was to fully evaluate the effects of delayed cord clamping on short-term hematological status and jaundice in term neonates delivered by cesarean section. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 796 women, who were allocated into the early cord clamping group (n = 377) and the delayed cord clamping group (n = 419). The latter group was further divided into two subgroups (30–60 s, 61–120 s). The outcomes were neonatal transcutaneous bilirubin levels on 0 to 5 days of life and the rate of phototherapy. For neonates who had blood tests on the first three days of life, their hemoglobin and hematocrit were compared among groups. Results Compared with the early cord clamping group, delayed cord clamping merely increased the transcutaneous bilirubin level of neonates on the day of birth rather than that on the following five days. The heel peripheral blood sample size of 1–3 days in the early cord clamping group was 61, 25 and 33, and in the delayed cord clamping group was 53, 46 and 32, respectively. Delayed cord clamping at 30–60 s resulted in the higher neonatal hemoglobin level on day 3 and an increased rate of neonatal polycythemia, without a higher rate of phototherapy. Delayed cord clamping beyond 60 s did not further improve hematological status in term neonates born by cesarean section. Conclusion In cesarean section, delayed cord clamping for 30–60 s improved the early hematological status of term neonates without the enhanced requirement of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice.

Early versus delayed cord clamping in term neonates.

Objective: To compare mean hemoglobin levels of neonates after early and late cord clamping. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: June 2019 to December 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 60 women booked and unbooked were included in study. Selected patients randomized into group A and B, each group comprising of 30 patients depending upon the envelope with assigned treatment (either early or delayed cord clamping) picked up by the patient. Results: In present study, two groups were made. Group A consisted of 30 neonates in whom early cord clamping was done while in group B delayed clamping was done in 30 neonates. Mean age of mothers was 28.4±0.4 vs. 28.6±0.5 years in group A and B respectively. There were 25 mothers (83.3%) in group A and 21 mothers (70%) in group B between 25–30 years. There were 5 mothers (16.7%) in group A and 8 mothers (26.7%) in group B between 31–35 years of age. While none of the mother in group A and 1 mother (3.3%) in group B was between 36–40 years of age. Mean parity of the mothers was 1.1±0.2 vs. 1.4±0.2 in group A and B respectively. Eight mothers (85.4%) in group A and 7 mothers (82.5%) in group B were primipara. While 22 mothers (14.6%) in group A and 23 mothers in group B (17.5%) were para 1–3. Gestational age was 37–38 weeks in 13(43.3%) vs. 19(63.3%) women in group A and B respectively. While there were 17(56.7%) vs. 11(36.7%) women in group A and B respectively of the gestational age 39–40 weeks. Pre-delivery maternal mean hemoglobin levels was 11.9±0.1 gm/dl vs. 12.3±0.1 gm/dl in group A and B respectively. Pre-delivery maternal hemoglobin levels were 10–10.9 g/dl in 2 mothers (6.7%) vs. 1 mother (3.3%) in group A and B respectively. Neonatal mean hemoglobin levels were 16.8±0.2 g/dl vs. 17.7±0.1 g/dl in group A and B respectively. Out of the 31 booked mothers, neonatal mean hemoglobin level was 16.8±0.2 g/dl vs. 17.9±0.1 g/dl in group A and B respectively. While out of the 29 unbooked mothers, neonatal mean hemoglobin level was 16.7±0.2 g/dl vs. 17.5±0.1 g/dl in group A and B respectively. When compared the neonatal mean hemoglobin levels, there was significant difference between mean hemoglobin levels of neonates between the two groups (p=0.000). Conclusion: Delayed cord clamping in term neonates for a minimum of 2 minutes at birth is beneficial to the newborn in terms of improved hemoglobin levels. There is no significant difference seen in pre-delivery maternal hemoglobin levels and neonatal hemoglobin either in delayed cord clamping group or in early cord clamping group.

Resuscitation with an Intact Cord Enhances Pulmonary Vasodilation and Ventilation with Reduction in Systemic Oxygen Exposure and Oxygen Load in an Asphyxiated Preterm Ovine Model

(1) Background: Optimal initial oxygen (O2) concentration in preterm neonates is controversial. Our objectives were to compare the effect of delayed cord clamping with ventilation (DCCV) to early cord clamping followed by ventilation (ECCV) on O2 exposure, gas exchange, and hemodynamics in an asphyxiated preterm ovine model. (2) Methods: Asphyxiated preterm lambs (127–128 d) with heart rate <90 bpm were randomly assigned to DCCV or ECCV. In DCCV, positive pressure ventilation (PPV) was initiated with 30–60% O2 and titrated based on preductal saturations (SpO2) with an intact cord for 5 min, followed by clamping. In ECCV, the cord was clamped, and PPV was initiated. (3) Results: Fifteen asphyxiated preterm lambs were randomized to DCCV (N = 7) or ECCV (N = 8). The inspired O2 (40 ± 20% vs. 60 ± 20%, p < 0.05) and oxygen load (520 (IQR 414–530) vs. 775 (IQR 623–868), p-0.03) in the DCCV group were significantly lower than ECCV. Arterial oxygenation and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels were significantly lower and peak pulmonary blood flow was higher with DCCV. (4) Conclusion: In asphyxiated preterm lambs, resuscitation with an intact cord decreased O2 exposure load improved ventilation with an increase in peak pulmonary blood flow in the first 5 min.

How to Provide Motherside Neonatal Resuscitation with Intact Placental Circulation?

Immediate clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord have been associated with death and/or neurodisability [1–5]. Given the harm from immediate cord clamping it would seem logical that all infants should receive delayed cord clamping, but evidence for delayed cord clamping when resuscitation is required is limited. One approach would be to perform resuscitation while the cord is still intact. Several studies have demonstrated improvements in physiological outcomes, such as higher Apgar scores or oxygen levels in the first few minutes of birth with resuscitation with an intact cord compared to early cord clamping [6–11]. Another challenge, however, is implementation of this practice. While some groups have reported this practice to be relatively straightforward [11–16], others have struggled with its [...]

FEASIBILITY AND OUTCOME OF DELAYED CORD CLAMPING IN TERM CESAREAN SECTION BORN NEONATES

Background: Through delayed cord clamping is recommended, it is less frequently performed in cases of cesarean sections .In this study delayed cord clamping was requested to obstetricians in term well newborn who cried at birth and followed these neonates during hospital stay and till 6 weeks of life and also compared with cases in whom early cord clamping was done. Objective:To nd out the feasibility of delayed cord clamping in term newborns delivered by cesarean section and its outcomes in rst few days of life in terms of jaundice , NICU stay and hemoglobin and serum ferritin at 6weeks of age. Setting :Tertiary care hospital (Calcutta national medical college) in department of Obstetrics from March to December,2019. Design-Prospective observational cohort study Method- During this period total 3732 cesarean sections was done on term pregnancy. Obstreticians were requested for delayed cord clamping for more than 120 seconds where baby cried at birth by a counseling session of 30 minutes. Outcome was compared with early cord clamping cases(10-15secs) at early neonatal period for jaundice ,NICU stay and at 6weeks for hemoglobin and serum ferritin. RESULTS: In 236 cases (6.37% ) it was feasible to perform delayed cord clamping after requesting obstetricians. There is no signicant difference in jaundice, morbidity, maternal postpartum haemorrhage in delayed cord clamping group in early neonatal period.Haemoglobine [11.9+- 0.5gm/dl vs 9.5 +-0.5gm/dl(p<0.01)]and ferritin[339+-102ng/ml vs 179+-99ng/ml(p<0.01)] levels were signicantly more in delayed cord clamping group at 6weeks of postnatal age. Conclusion: Feasibility of delayed cord clamping is still very low in cesarean delivery but strongly recommended for building iron store in neonates. Delayed cord clamping for 120 seconds does not increase postpartum haemorrhage in mother.