Delayed cord clamping in cesarean section with general anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Physiology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) increases neonatal blood volume in vaginal births and cesarean sections.
• The physiological effects of DCC in cesarean section births, particularly under general anesthesia, remain under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of delayed umbilical cord clamping on neonatal physiological parameters in elective cesarean sections performed under general anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• A study involving nineteen healthy mothers undergoing elective cesarean sections.
• Umbilical cord clamping times were varied: immediate (0 minutes), 1.5 minutes, and 3 minutes.
• Neonatal blood gas analysis (PO2, pH) and plasma lactate levels were measured.

Main Results:

• Infants with a 3-minute delayed cord clamping showed significantly lower partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and pH.
• Elevated plasma lactate levels were observed in infants subjected to 3-minute delayed cord clamping.
• These adverse physiological changes were compared to infants with early cord clamping.

Conclusions:

• Early umbilical cord clamping is preferable for healthy, mature newborns delivered via cesarean section under general anesthesia.
• Delayed cord clamping (3 minutes) may lead to adverse neonatal physiological outcomes in this specific delivery context.