Effect of Umbilical Cord Clamping time of Term Infants on Maternal and Neonatal Outcome

Author(s): Afreen Kabir Kheya, Fathima Sultana, Lizwana Nusrat Lia, Rezwan Sultana, Jasmin Ara Zaman

Background: The optimal timing of cord clamping has been controversial for decades, and its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes still needs to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the impact of early versus delayed cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics in Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital for months following protocol approval. Data from 100 pregnant mothers with term pregnancy, irrespective of mode of delivery, were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results were presented in the form of tables and graphs. Before interviewing and hospital record analysis, written informed consent was taken from each subject, and ethical issues were appropriately ensured.

Results: The mean age of both the Delayed cord clamping (DCC) and Early cord clamping (ECC) groups had no difference (28.14±3.28 vs 28.40±3.12; p=0.547). The Majority of respondents underwent NVD in both groups (74% vs 68%, p=0.330). There was no significant difference in APGAR scores across both groups at 1 and 5 minutes (p>0.05). Blood transfusion amount (ml/kg 1) was higher in the early clump group (140.26±24.88 vs 164.40±27.34; p<0.01). Following birth, there was a significant increase in infants needing phototherapy for jaundice, as evidenced by hyperbilirubinemia (p<0.05). There is a substantial difference in anemia (p<0.05), and infant ferritin levels remained higher in the late clamping group than in the early clamping group (p<0.05). Admission to NICU was lower among the DCC group than ECC (12% vs 6%; p<0.05). Maternal Hb and ferritin levels were higher in the DCC group (p<0.05), with no significant difference in the incidence of PPH (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Delated clumping is relatively beneficial regarding maternal and fetal outcomes. However, before concluding, further study is recommended.