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Published on: November 20, 2015
Effects of delayed cord clamping on neurodevelopment and infection at four months of age: a randomised trial
Ola Andersson1, Magnus Domellöf, Dan Andersson
1Department of Paediatrics, Hospital of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden. ola.k.andersson@regionhalland.se
Insights
Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) did not impact overall infant neurodevelopment or infection symptoms by 4 months. However, DCC showed benefits in problem-solving skills but a slight decrease in personal-social development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Umbilical cord clamping timing is a critical factor in neonatal transition.
- Understanding the long-term effects of delayed cord clamping (DCC) on infant development and immunity is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of delayed versus early umbilical cord clamping on infant neurodevelopment.
- To assess changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.
- To determine the incidence of infection symptoms within the first four months of life.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 382 full-term infants comparing delayed (≥180 seconds) and early (≤10 seconds) cord clamping.
- Neurodevelopment assessed at 4 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
- Immunoglobulin G levels measured at birth, 2-3 days, and 4 months; infection symptoms were parent-reported.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall ASQ scores between groups.
- The delayed cord clamping group showed improved problem-solving scores but lower personal-social scores at 4 months.
- Higher IgG levels observed in the DCC group at 2-3 days, with no difference at 4 months; infection symptoms were similar.
Conclusions:
- Delayed cord clamping does not influence overall neurodevelopment or infection rates in the first four months.
- Specific neurodevelopmental domains, such as problem-solving and personal-social skills, may be affected by clamping timing.
- Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced effects of DCC on specific developmental trajectories.
Aim:
To investigate the effect that delayed and early umbilical cord clamping have on neurodevelopment, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and symptoms of infection during the first 4 months of life.
Methods:
Full-term infants (n = 382) were randomised to delayed (≥180 sec) or early cord clamping (≤10 sec). The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess neurodevelopment at 4 months. Immunoglobulin G was measured at birth, 2-3 days and 4 months. Parents recorded any symptoms indicating infection during the first 4 months of life.
Results:
The total scores from the ASQ did not differ between groups. However, the delayed cord clamping (DCC) group had a higher mean (SD) score in the problem-solving domain [55.3 (7.2) vs. 53.5 (8.2), p = 0.03] at 4 months and a lower mean (SD) score in the personal-social domain [49.5 (9.3) vs. 51.8 (8.1), p = 0.01]. The IgG level was higher in the DCC group at 2-3 days (11.7 vs. 11.0 g/L, p = 0.004), but did not differ between the groups at 4 months. Symptoms of infection were comparable between the groups.
Conclusion:
Delayed cord clamping did not affect overall neurodevelopment or symptoms of infection up to 4 months of age, but may have an impact on specific neurodevelopmental domains.
