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Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping Above Versus Below the Perineum on Neonatal Hematocrit: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Aminata Mansaray1, Robert Yetman1, Pamela Berens1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School , Houston, Texas.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in neonatal hematocrit at 24 hours of life in full-term newborns for which delayed cord clamping is performed above versus below the perineum.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred one patients with singleton pregnancies >37 weeks of gestation presenting for delivery were randomized to delayed cord clamping above or below the perineum. At 24 hours of life, neonatal hematocrit was determined, and the difference was compared using statistical analysis. Secondary outcomes measured were need for phototherapy, transfusion, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.
Results:
Of 101 patients recruited for the study, 53 were randomized to the above group, and 48 were randomized to the below group. Twenty-seven patients in the above group and 26 patients in the below group completed the study. The above group had an average neonatal hematocrit of 52.7% (± 2.58%). The below group had an average neonatal hematocrit of 55.8% (± 2.42%). There was no statistical difference between groups (p = 0.10). Similarly, differences in secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Three infants in the above group and one infant in the below group required phototherapy. None of the infants required blood transfusion. Three infants in the above group and one infant in the below group required NICU admission.
Conclusions:
When comparing delayed cord clamping above versus below the perineum, there is no difference in the neonatal hematocrit at 24 hours of life.
