Effect of delayed cord clamping on very preterm twins

The very preterm infants of twin births may particularly benefit from delayed cord clamping (DCC) as the likelihood of unfavorable outcome is greater compared to singletons. Unfortunately, there is paucity of available information regarding safety and efficacy of DCC in this group.

To report the clinical consequences of delayed cord clamping (DCC) in very preterm twins, born between 23^0/7 and 31^6/7 weeks gestation.

In this pre and post intervention retrospective cohort study, we compared 30 very preterm infants born from 15 twin deliveries during historic study period to 32 very preterm infants born from 16 twin deliveries during DCC study period. During historic study period (August 19, 2013 to January 31, 2015), infants included were eligible to receive DCC, but their cords were immediately clamped. DCC study period (February 1, 2015 to January 31, 2017) included infants who had DCC performed for 60 s after birth.

The Apgar scores and other resuscitation variables were similar between both groups. After adjusting for gestational age and mode of delivery, significantly fewer infants in the DCC cohort needed red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in first week of life compared to the historic cohort (15.6% vs. 43.3%; P = 0.03). Death and other major neonatal outcomes were similar between both groups.

DCC in very preterm twins was safe, feasible and not associated with any adverse neonatal outcomes compared to early cord clamping. DCC was associated with a significant reduction in early RBC transfusions.