Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is the recommended strategy in neonates not requiring resuscitation, but umbilical cord milking (UCM) can also be used in term babies. DCC has been found to offer advantages more than just placental transfusion.
To compare the neonatal outcomes of DCC and UCM at birth in vigorous neonates ≥35 weeks born via cesarean section.
We included all vigorous neonates born ≥35 weeks of gestation through the cesarean section in this open-label randomized controlled trial. They were randomized into Group-A (DCC-cord was clamped 60 s after birth) or Group B(UCM). For neonates in Group B, the intact cord was milked at 25 cm from the stump 3 times towards the neonate and then clamped. The primary outcome was hematocrit at 72 h of life. Secondary outcomes were serum ferritin between 6 and 10 weeks of life, serum bilirubin at 72 h of life, need and duration of phototherapy, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and sepsis.
Baseline characteristics were similar in both the groups. The mean hematocrit at 72 h was more in the DCC group compared to the UCM group [(55.60±4.50) vs (53.89±4.44), MD (95% CI) = 1.71 (0.26, 3.16); p = 0.021]. There was no significant difference in median serum ferritin between the groups [102.88(84.67-173.24) vs 137.93(85.15-230.40); p = 0.173]. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes.
In neonates born via cesarean section, DCC resulted in improved hematocrit levels by 72 hours compared to UCM. DCC results in better placental transfusion.