A global perspective of delayed cord clamping in infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Global Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) facilitates placental transfusion, offering benefits to neonates.
• Potential advantages include reduced mortality, lower blood transfusion needs, and improved iron stores, particularly for preterm infants.
• Despite global recommendations, research on DCC in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To offer a global perspective on the implementation and impact of DCC in LMICs.
• To identify critical knowledge gaps for future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• This article provides a narrative review of existing literature on DCC.
• It synthesizes current evidence and expert opinion regarding DCC in LMICs.
• Focuses on the potential of DCC to address neonatal health challenges in resource-limited settings.

Main Results:

• DCC is associated with significant benefits for neonatal health, including improved iron status and reduced need for transfusions.
• The prevalence of iron deficiency and neonatal mortality in LMICs highlights the potential public health impact of DCC.
• Limited research exists on DCC's effectiveness and safety in diverse LMIC contexts.

Conclusions:

• DCC holds considerable promise for improving neonatal outcomes in LMICs, where iron deficiency and mortality rates are high.
• Further research is essential to understand the specific benefits, optimal timing, and implementation strategies for DCC in these regions.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will facilitate the integration of DCC into standard neonatal care globally.